Peoria Man Dies in DUI Car Accident

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By WEEK Producer

Story Published: Nov 7, 2009 at 5:09 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2009 at 6:19 PM CST

A Peoria man died in a car crash early Saturday morning where police say the driver was under the influence.

The one-vehicle crash occurred near the intersection of Hudson and North Street just before 2:30 this morning.

Authorities say the driver, John Carr from Chillicothe, crashed his SUV into a tree in front of a home on the 3100 block of North Street. Both the driver and passenger had to be extricated from the SUV and reportedly had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit.

The Peoria County Coroner reports the passenger, 41 year old Robert Cotelleso died in the crash from multiple injuries.

John Carr was taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center with what police say were serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Tuesday, Nov 10 at 11:47 PM Tonya W wrote ...

you know i have been reading these comments people r leaving and you guys should really be ashamed of your selfs use what brains u have and think of his family for gods sake

Tuesday, Nov 10 at 11:39 PM Tonya W wrote ...

robbie u will be greatly missed i remember u from grade school u were so sweet to me and everone else for that matter may u rest in peace i will be praying for your family god bless u all

Tuesday, Nov 10 at 3:14 PM hailey wrote ...

R.I.P your going to be missed greatly and i know justin,chels,and luelue are all upset but they know your in a better place and your watching over them

Monday, Nov 9 at 10:44 PM Aunt Bev wrote ...

Rob,I love you and I miss you. I know that your Mom and Dad are very happy to have you with them again, as you were the light of their lives. Chelsea, Justin and Lindsey, I want you to know that your Father was like a son to me, and I will always be there for you. Try to remember the good times and be comforted knowing that your Dad loved all three of you very much. Tonya, I know this is a hard time for you, too. Thank-you so much for all you've done since Rob's death,

Monday, Nov 9 at 10:40 PM Charlie Traynor wrote ...

You will be missed bro,my heart goes to you family!!

Monday, Nov 9 at 7:11 PM Jake (Rob's cousin) wrote ...

I love you Robbie. You are greatly missed. He was a really great man who loved his family more than anything in the world and would do anything for anyone. Thank you to everyone posting all those nice things. To all the people being negative, quit being so disrespectful. You don't know Rob at all.

Monday, Nov 9 at 12:56 PM Peoria Citizen wrote ...

May you RIP. Will be keeping the families in our prayers and know that things happen for a reason. Robbie you will be missed and know that you are with God, he needed you.

Monday, Nov 9 at 12:53 PM Peoria Citizen wrote ...

May you RIP. Will be keeping the families in our prayers and know that things happen for a reason. Robbie you will be missed and know that you are with God, he needed you.

Monday, Nov 9 at 11:06 AM /rivercitychick wrote ...

Everything that happens is GOD'S WILL. God called his son home. Johnny and Rob were good friends. John would have traded places if he could, but that was in God's hands. tll the fingerpointing does not help either of the families - both of whom are devistated.

Monday, Nov 9 at 11:00 AM JT wrote ...

Sorry for your loss. My thoughts to Rob's family and friends.-Peoria citizen

Monday, Nov 9 at 6:27 AM country10311 wrote ...

RIP Robbie. Now you will be back with your mom & dad,so all of you can watch over your kids & Tonya. we love you, your family

Sunday, Nov 8 at 11:13 PM Tami - HS friend wrote ...

I have known Rob for over 24 yrs and no he didn't deserve this.He was an amazing person n would do anything for anyone.He was always the sensible one so Im not sure what happened. Several years ago He lost both parents pretty close together perhaps he never really fully healed.Im not making excuses but he wasnt driving so everyone can lay off.Ive seen many drunks where you cant tell they are drunk so saying its his fault for getting in the vehicle is absurd. Luv u Rob! To his kids: Im so sorry..

Sunday, Nov 8 at 10:52 PM Lori wrote ...

Tonya, be strong for your children. There are many of us whose lives were impacted by Robbie. People who have negative things to say have this outlet where they don't have to say anything to your face. I think we all need to concentrate on the fact that a father has been taken too early from his children. RIP Robbie and prayers to all the family.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 9:55 PM Tonya, Robs kid's mother. wrote ...

Thank you to those who are thoughtful and remember rob and all the good he did. To those who are not posting nice things.. Please keep your negative thoughts to your self cause i have 3 beautiful children who are hurting alot and they need support not hurtful things said about the man they love and call daddy.. So please remember they have enough to deal with right now and don't need the negative comments.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 9:51 PM nan wrote ...

Just curious..If Rob had two duis did he even have a license to drive. Both men made bad choices. They both got in the car knowing neither of them were able to drive.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 9:50 PM robbie's boy wrote ...

this is robs son and i appreciate all of your kindness in these postings to who wrote good. but coming from his son i forgive jonnie and he is my fathers friend and my dad wouldnt want him punished for something he chose to do with him. noone needs to blamed my dad would never want that. thank you and for those who wrote bad you should put yourself in my shoes and i did love my dad he never hurt anyone like you hurt me with your comments.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 9:49 PM NAN wrote ...

Just curious..If Rob had two duis did he even have a license to drive. Both men made bad choices. They both got in the car knowing neither of them were able to drive..

Sunday, Nov 8 at 8:10 PM sorry for your loss wrote ...

we will never know what really happened to cause such a tragady They may have been fighting or the wheel may have been grabbed It is not for us to judge Keep an open mind andbe thankful for what you have Rob is in a good place now John will forever be his friend Rob want his death to berejoiced

Sunday, Nov 8 at 7:19 PM bj cotelleso wrote ...

to john the second robbie was a good guy. he would do anything for anybody. people make mistakes. what you said was uncalled for and you can keep your coments to yourself. and you wana say true justice carma comes around so remember what you said. we will miss you robbie. love the cotellesos

Sunday, Nov 8 at 6:04 PM Kim wrote ...

We can all sit around and say could of, should of, would of, but u know wat Rob was innocent. He was the one taking lets not forget that. As far as his DUI's He obviously did learn his lesson he didnt drive when he could have. I think the guy driving did make a mistake but, lets not sit here and try to make rob out to be the bad guy. He is the one who left behind 3 kids. At least john can still see his family. RIP ROB.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 5:05 PM ian farquharson wrote ...

Please let me know when the benefit is I would be honored to help out and also attend.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 4:15 PM family wrote ...

R.I.P.ROBBY WE LOVE U AND MISS U VERY MUCH. THE FAMILY IS GOING TO HAVE A BENEFIT FOR ROBBY WILL LET U KNOW WHEN FOR SURE.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 3:47 PM family wrote ...

to who wrote the comment about robs dui what does it matter he never killed anyone and he wasnt driving im sure u have had a drink or to and drove and never got caught almost everyone has they jst got lucky im not saying drinking and driving is right but people learn from there mistakes and rob was taken to soon he was a great guy he would do anything for anyone so there was no justice he was not driving there is no bac levels for passengers

Sunday, Nov 8 at 3:39 PM ian farquharson wrote ...

Anyone wanna get a benefit together to help with Big Rob's funeral expenses email me. I am sure Rob did many of you favors in the past he was always there for us if we needed him. I feel many of us owe this to Rob. He didn't have allot of money and not only that he always told me if I die Ian I want the people to be happy and remember me in a good way and make sure they have a party for me. email me at miamipeoria@yahoo.com

Sunday, Nov 8 at 3:37 PM Mike wrote ...

The BAC comment was to point out that neither one could have legally driven, which is relevant because it would have shown real ignorance if the passenger was sober and let a drunk drive him. Either one could have ended up this way. I am just glad that a truly innecent person was not involved which is what usually happens when drunks drive.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 3:01 PM Unkown wrote ...

May the God bless you Robby. Hope your kids and wife are taken care of.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 2:46 PM ian farquharson wrote ...

Wow so sad I grew up with Rob we was a good guy he always meant well and had a heart of gold yes he had his negatives but we all do. He worked very hard for his uncle at his uncles company. I always considered Rob a good friend. He was always happy to see people he knew and you couldn't get a better Elvis impersonation than Rob could do. I remember when we were in 1st grade and he dressed as Elvis for Halloween he looked liked he could have been Elvi's son for real. RIP Rob you will be missed.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 2:41 PM dwayne wrote ...

Trully a great family man and an aweome man. God has taken you way too soon. RIP Rob!! BAC is not important> Respect is!!

Sunday, Nov 8 at 2:26 PM Brittney wrote ...

R.I.P Robby you will be greatly missed i love you with all my heart ur the best cousin in the world!! i know ur in heaven lookin down on all of us n dnt worry bout everything or wat ppl say we know ur a great person and love ur family more than anything!! its messed up that ur the one who had to go.. he will have his time..

Sunday, Nov 8 at 2:20 PM sandra wrote ...

robby u will be missed i love u very much the driver should be punished to the fullest and i agree it shouldnt matter what his bac was he was a passenger and loved by many the family is very sad and hurting right now if u didnt know robby u need to keep ur mouth shut he would do anything for anybody.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 10:53 AM JB wrote ...

WEEK writer - There is no legal BAC limit for being a passenger in a vehicle.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 10:43 AM I AM FAMILY!! wrote ...

RIP BABY I will miss you Robbie Doesnt matter what his BAC was from hearsay John was a reckless driver drunk or sober always traveling toooo fast and he Should be punished Death is punishment enough for Rob!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, Nov 8 at 9:48 AM mj wrote ...

i know the family of the dead guy.they r hurting,its not their fault that their dad chose to go with his drunk friend.i know he was drunk too ,but that aint going to help them .

Sunday, Nov 8 at 9:21 AM rip wrote ...

doesnt surprise me either this is a crazy place olny by choice people need to step up and grow up

Sunday, Nov 8 at 9:12 AM John wrote ...

Your absolutely correct it dosnt matter what the BAC is. The passenger is dead and the driver has. Just another life story of how people go out and do stupid s**t now there are kids and famililies that have to pay the price because of ignorance in action.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 9:10 AM frank wrote ...

Im sorry for the loss.They shouldve taken a cab.You play you pay

Sunday, Nov 8 at 9:03 AM bobthe2nd wrote ...

It's interesting to note, that Rob had a DUI last December and the November the year before. Now this November he happens to be a passenger and is killed in a DUI accident, how's that for true justice. Maybe he should of been the one driving, he has experience driving drunk.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 8:40 AM Lori wrote ...

Your children and your family will miss you. I will never forget "Achy Breaky Heart" from Six Flags over Texas that we recorded.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 8:10 AM Matt wrote ...

It's hard to imagine a fatal accident at Hudson and North. It's a shame.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 8:08 AM Tammy wrote ...

RIP Rob! You will never be forgotten... To the kids, he always loved you and your mother! I know this for a fact!!! Love you all and I will pray for you every day.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 7:54 AM brewsta wrote ...

Too bad the wrong people get hurt or killed in this country.The offender just gets banged up. Typical.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 6:30 AM Agree wrote ...

Sorry for your loss. I agree, what does it matter what the BAC of the passenger was? It is not illegal to be while being a passenger. I feel for both families.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 3:43 AM Jamie wrote ...

Newshounds...doesn't matter what the BAC of the passenger was...or is it just another way to get attention? Rob was my friend,and here you are smearing his name...bunch of shameless bastar**

Sunday, Nov 8 at 2:23 AM Ria wrote ...

RIP Rob.... Thanks for your friendship. I'll always live you.

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