East Central Reporter

Route 51 around Assumption, Illinois, will soon bear the name “Connor-Keegan Memorial Highway” in honor of two local teenagers who tragically lost their lives in 2022. The decision to rename the route is a tribute to Connor Rowcliff and Keegan Virden and was made possible through legislation enacted by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) and State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville).

Senator McClure expressed his hopes for the memorial, stating, “Connor and Keegan touched a lot of lives in their community and are deeply missed by so many. My hope is that this will honor their memories in a way that will make their family and friends proud.”

Representative Halbrook echoed these sentiments, saying, “I am gratified by the support we received for remembering these two fine young men who were taken from us far too soon; and I hope the memorial will bring some small comfort to the community.”

On July 12, 2022, Connor Rowcliff, a 16-year-old junior who was active in sports and loved spending time with friends and family, along with Keegan Virden, a 15-year-old sophomore at Central A & M who enjoyed outdoor activities and was active in the Shelby County 4-H program, lost their lives in a car accident.

In addition to his other activities, Virden was also a member of Mt. Pleasant Church of God. Notably, he chose to be an organ donor and posthumously helped save the lives of ten people.

The designation of Illinois Route 51 as the Conner-Keegan Memorial Highway is laid out in Senate Joint Resolution 29. This stretch extends from North 2600 East Road through Assumption to the Shelby Macon County line. The resolution has been adopted by both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. Signage indicating this new designation will be erected by the Illinois Department of Transportation at a future date.