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
Will County Board Compromises on Mental Health Levy, Approves $10 Million After Debate
Regional Office of Education Highlights School Safety, New Learning Programs in Update
Will County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening Project
Will County Board Approves New 30 MPH Speed Limit for Frankfort Township Road
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for October 16, 2025
New Lenox Solar Farm Proposal Advances with Conditions, Following Village and Forest Preserve Input
Frankfort Township Board Objects, but County Commission Recommends Bar with Video Gaming
Will County Committee Grapples with $8.9 Million Budget Gap After Contentious 0% Tax Levy Vote
Crete Township ‘Tiny Home’ Owner Appeals Permit Denial
Senior Shared Housing Facility Recommended for Approval in Crete Township
Will County Finance Committee Forwards 1.75% Compromise Property Tax Levy to Full Board
Americans prepare to spend $1 trillion this holiday shopping season