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.
Latest News Stories
Judge expands restraining order against ‘Beto’ O’Rourke, adds ActBlue
Executive Committee Members Decry Roadside Litter, Call for Action Against Garbage Haulers
Reversing Biden’s precedent, students complete FAFSA in minutes at beta-testing event
Trump, Zelenskyy to meet Monday in steps toward peace with Russia
Possible ‘agreement’ reached in Trump-Putin meeting; more discussion likely
WATCH: Gun rights supporters celebrate 9th Circuit’s ruling against CA gun rationing law
Feds sue California over emission standards for trucks
Illinois quick hits: ‘Lawsuit inferno’ bill takes effect after Pritzker signed 267 measures Friday
WATCH: UW-authored study on surgery times contradicts CMS basis for reimbursement cuts
State defends gun ban district court ruled unconstitutional
Trump aiming for ceasefire, world awaiting news from Putin summit
Pritzker acts upon 269 bills, vetoes 2, signs ‘lawsuit inferno’ measure