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
Erik Menendez denied parole; brother appears before board
After cutting union contracts, VA redirects $45M to veterans
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs abortion bills; Operation Purple Heart returns medals
WATCH: IL Department of Human Services’ adverse audit draws legislators’ ire
Illinois prisons to publish annual data on contraband, safety and overdoses
Gallego, others question Meta on policies for kids using AI
After Initial Rejection and Tense Debate, Board Reconsiders and Approves Contested DuPage Township Business
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education for August 18, 2025
Commission enacted to aid young IL farmers facing challenges
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for August 21, 2025
Appeals court: Serious Chicago police disciplinary hearings must be public
Will County Board Approves New Fee Schedule for Recorder of Deeds