Fire-Ambulance-Rescue-Logo

Indiana Woman Identified as Victim in Fatal Wilmington-Peotone Road Crash

The Will County Coroner’s Office has officially identified the woman killed in Tuesday’s fatal crash on Wilmington-Peotone Road as 70-year-old Judith L. Stirm of Delphi, Indiana.

In a statement, Coroner Laurie H. Summers reported that Stirm was pronounced deceased at 12:42 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the scene of the crash, located just west of South Elevator Road.

The initial crash occurred around 10:45 a.m. when the passenger vehicle Stirm was driving collided head-on with a semi-truck. According to the Manhattan Fire Protection District, the car sustained heavy damage, and crews had to perform an extrication to free her from the vehicle.

The situation on the rural road escalated less than two hours later. At approximately 12:35 p.m., a second major accident occurred nearby, involving a semi-truck hauling a propane tanker that had crashed and was leaking. Fire crews successfully stopped the leak and rescued that driver, who was transported for medical care.

The Will County Sheriff’s Police are leading the investigation into the crash that resulted in Ms. Stirm’s death. The Coroner’s Office confirmed that an autopsy was performed on Wednesday, July 30. A final cause and manner of death will be determined following the completion of autopsy, police, and toxicology reports.

The two severe accidents prompted a massive response from multiple fire districts and law enforcement agencies, forcing the complete closure of Wilmington-Peotone Road for several hours on Tuesday for investigation and cleanup operations.

Events

26 Aug
28 Aug
28 Aug
29 Aug
30 Aug
30 Aug 25
30 Aug
30 Aug 25

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education for June 17, 2025

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education handled significant financial business at its June 17 meeting, approving a tentative budget for the 2025-2026 school year and renewing insurance...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Board of Trustees for July 28, 2025

The New Lenox Village Board meeting on Monday was marked by ceremony and significant action on major developments. The board honored the new Pope Leo XIV and retiring Police Chief...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Village Board for July 23, 2025

The Monee Village Board of Trustees heard a detailed presentation for a major industrial redevelopment, approved a significant payment for its nearly-completed public works facility, and gave final clearance for...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for June 17, 2025

The Frankfort Fire Protection District is taking steps to address its equipment needs by pursuing the purchase of two used fire engines for a total of $635,000, a move designed...
new-lenox-fire-district-stations.2

New Lenox Fire Board Denies Variance Over Extreme Hydrant Distance, Citing Safety

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously denied a homeowner's variance request on Monday, citing significant public safety concerns over the property's extreme distance...
new-lenox-fire-district-stations.4

New Lenox Fire District Secures $35,000 Grant for UTV in Solar Farm Agreement

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District is set to receive a $35,000 grant to purchase a new Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) as part of a community benefit...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Fire Protection District for June 16, 2025

The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees took decisive action on a residential fire code variance and discussed a new community partnership for a planned solar farm during...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Will County Committee Forwards Overhauled Purchasing Code Amid Debate on Local Contractor Preference

The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced a major overhaul of the county's purchasing code Tuesday, but only after a split vote and a pointed debate over a separate,...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Finance Officials Clarify How Will County Tracks Assets, From Vehicles to Desks

Will County finance officials on Tuesday detailed the policies governing how the county tracks its physical and digital assets, explaining the $5,000 threshold for items that are formally capitalized and...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Will County Treasurer Confirms Free Online Tax Payment Option, Warns Against High Credit Card Fees

Will County Treasurer Tim Brophy confirmed Tuesday that property owners have a free online payment option available and advised residents to avoid the high convenience fees associated with using credit...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process

While the Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee quickly approved minor updates to its administrative adjudication ordinance Tuesday, the action sparked a broader discussion about resident frustration over the enforcement...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process

While the Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee quickly approved minor updates to its administrative adjudication ordinance Tuesday, the action sparked a broader discussion about resident frustration over the enforcement...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for July 22, 2025

AI Policy Discussion Urged: Chair Jackie Triner called for the county to develop a comprehensive policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence. Citing a recent conference, Triner noted the potential benefits...
New-Lenox-Village-Board.1

New Lenox’s Crossroads Sports Complex Opens to Rave Reviews, On Time and Under Budget

NEW LENOX – The newly opened Crossroads Sports Complex is already proving to be a resounding success, according to a report delivered at the New Lenox Village Board meeting on...
New-Lenox-Village-Board.4

New Lenox Waives Over $13,000 in Permit Fees for Park District, Church Projects

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Village Board unanimously approved waiving more than $13,000 in permit and plan review fees for two significant community projects during its meeting on Monday....