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
Peotone School District Sets New ELA and Math Proficiency Goals for 2028
Peotone School Board Appoints Brian Cann as New Director of Instructional Technology
Will County Committee Grapples with $8.9 Million Budget Gap After Contentious 0% Tax Levy Vote
Peotone CUSD 207-U Administration Faces Criticism Over Budget Deficit, Financial History
Parents Allege Security Failures After Student Assault at Peotone Homecoming
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for October 16, 2025
Poll: Americans divided on Trump’s deportation, immigration policies
WATCH: Pritzker to sign exec. order to ‘pursue accountability’ amid federal deployments
Helicopter crash claims lives of Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker creates commission to hear alleged ICE abuses
WATCH: WA Senate candidates differ on taxes, parental rights, protecting girls’ sports