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

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Meeting-Briefs

In Brief: Ordinance Review Committee Actions

The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee met June 10 to continue its comprehensive update of the county code. Here are some of the key actions and discussions: Court Fees...
frankfort-park-district.1

Frankfort Park District Kicks Off Busy Summer Season with Races and New Events

The Frankfort Park District is in full summer swing, with a packed schedule of programs and events that includes an expanded day camp, new community parties, and the 25th anniversary...
Will-County-Jail-e1750123778582

Will County Jail Faces Major Staffing Crisis as 70 Employees Eligible to Retire by 2030

County officials warn of potential budget impact as adult detention facility grapples with unprecedented turnover Will County's adult detention facility is heading toward a staffing crisis that could significantly impact...
will-county-board.3

Will County Health Department Reports Sharp Decline in Overdose Deaths

2025 fatalities running 40% lower than previous year, officials attribute success to expanded Narcan distribution Will County is experiencing a significant reduction in overdose deaths, with 2025 fatalities running 40%...
will-county-board

Solar Project Extensions Approved as Industry Faces Permitting Delays

Three solar energy projects received 180-day extensions from Will County's Land Use & Development Committee Thursday as developers continue working through lengthy permitting processes with utility companies and other agencies....
will-county-board.3

Committee Approves Truck Terminal Despite Residential Concerns

A Monee Township truck terminal received approval from Will County's Land Use & Development Committee Thursday despite concerns about its proximity to residential areas. The committee voted 5-1 to approve...
will-county-board

Will County Health Department Faces Funding Uncertainty as Federal Grants Under Review

Multiple revenue sources threatened as department seeks legislative support for public health programs Will County Health Department officials are closely monitoring potential federal funding cuts that could impact multiple programs...

Will County Land Use Meeting Briefs

LAND USE ACTIONS Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules Modified: The committee recommended approval of text amendments allowing accessory dwelling units to exceed current building area limitations in certain circumstances. The changes...
will-county-board.2

Public Health and Safety Committee Meeting Briefs

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Tour Praised: Committee members who attended the May 9 tour of Sunny Hill Nursing Home praised the facility's condition and operations. Member Raquel Mitchell called it...
Medicaid-logo

Federal Reconciliation Bill Targets Medicaid, SNAP Programs

Will County Legislators Briefed on Potential Local Impacts Federal legislation making sweeping cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs could significantly impact Will County residents and services, county legislators learned...
will-county-board.2

Will County Approves Modified $756 Million Transportation Plan Despite Terminology Debate

Will County's Public Works and Transportation Committee approved a five-year, $756 million transportation improvement plan on June 3, but not before a heated debate over whether to call it a...
will-county-board.3

Will County completes major projects while others move forward

Will County's facilities team has completed several major projects while advancing others throughout the county, officials reported during a Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting Monday. The Old Courthouse Plaza...
will-county-board.3

Will County Accepts $140,000 Developer Donation for Road Improvements

Will County's Public Works and Transportation Committee accepted a $140,143.90 donation from a developer in lieu of constructing traffic improvements along Laraway Road. The donation comes from the Lakes Park...
will-county-board.2

State Legislative Session Wrap-Up Shows Mixed Results

Will County's state legislative priorities saw mixed results as the Illinois General Assembly concluded its spring session on May 31, with several key bills advancing while others stalled. The Legislative...
will-county-board.2

Will County expands safety initiatives across facilities

Will County has implemented new safety protocols and training programs across its facilities, including the selection of department safety monitors and participation in community health education events. Each county department...