With heavy hearts, the Joliet Police Department and the broader Will County community mourn the tragic and sudden loss of Sergeant Hollis Weller, a beloved husband, father, and dedicated public servant who was killed in an off-duty motor vehicle accident on Friday, May 16, 2025, near Beecher, Illinois.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Dixie Highway near Eagle Lake Road in southeastern Will County. Sergeant Weller was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another individual involved in the accident was transported to Franciscan Health Olympia Fields for treatment. The incident remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police.
Sergeant Weller was 47 years old and served with distinction for 20 years in the Joliet Police Department. Promoted to the rank of Sergeant in July 2020, he most recently led with quiet strength and steady resolve in the department’s Traffic Unit, where his deep knowledge of roadway safety and unwavering sense of justice made him an invaluable asset.
A Life of Service
Throughout his career, Sergeant Weller exemplified the highest ideals of law enforcement. Known for his integrity, calm under pressure, and willingness to go above and beyond, he was a recipient of numerous commendations, including the prestigious Award for Heroism in 2015, for his brave actions during a high-risk rescue.
Beyond the accolades and uniform, Hollis was a mentor to junior officers, a trusted leader among his peers, and a friend to the community he served with humility and compassion. Whether he was directing traffic at a local festival, responding to a crisis, or simply lending a helping hand, Sgt. Weller approached every call with dedication and heart.
A Devoted Family Man
Though law enforcement was his calling, Hollis Weller’s deepest pride and joy came from his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Laura Weller, and their three cherished children. His role as a husband and father defined him just as profoundly as his badge. Friends recall his endless stories about family vacations, soccer games, and school concerts—moments he treasured more than any honor or rank.
He balanced the challenges of police work with unwavering devotion at home, never missing an opportunity to teach, encourage, and simply be present. His passing leaves an indescribable void in the lives of those who loved him most.
A Community in Mourning
The Joliet Police Department is in deep mourning, standing shoulder to shoulder in grief and remembrance. In an official statement, the department shared:
“Sgt. Weller was a leader, a mentor, and a friend to many. His passing is a devastating loss not only to our department but to the entire Joliet community. We respectfully ask the public to keep Sgt. Weller’s family, as well as the men and women of the Joliet Police Department, in their thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.”