On April 29th, just a few days shy of the first anniversary of the death of Tyler Bliss, the case was scheduled for a bench trial. Darren Chamberlain signed a waiver of a jury trial and scheduled a bench trial with Judge Cosby for July 18, 2025, at 9 AM. Tyler loved dogs and going fishing. His mother, Julley Bliss, said, “He was a nice guy who would help anybody out if they needed help.” Julley said that Tyler wasn’t just her son; he was also her best friend. She said they talked all the time. Julley said she struggles to make it through each day without her son. While she wants the case to be done, she said she doesn’t understand why her son was struck and killed.
On May 3, 2024, 31-year-old Tyler Bliss lost his life while riding his bicycle along Highway 34 south of Kewanee. Tyler would have turned 32 on May 22nd. Authorities report that Bliss was allegedly struck by a 2005 Dodge Magnum driven by Darren Chamberlain, who was issued a citation for improper passing. Emergency crews responded quickly, performing life-saving measures before Bliss was transported to OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Both Chamberlain and his passenger declined medical treatment at the scene. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has forwarded the investigation findings to the State’s Attorney.
