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
Federal services to slowly recover following end of government shutdown
IL congressman pushes military to accept CLT, experts say it could shape education
New Lenox Solar Farm Gains County Committee Approval with Conditions
Committee Approves Frankfort Township Gaming Bar on Split Vote
Crete Township Senior Group Home Gets Unanimous Committee Support
Beecher-Area Rezoning and Variances Approved to Legalize Structure
Committee Approves Wilton Township Land Division Despite Spot Zoning Concerns
MS-13 members prosecuted nationwide for brutal murders, fentanyl trafficking
Illinois, Chicago residents rank high taxes as state’s top issue
Jan. 6 panel cost twice previous estimates, hiring TV producers to dramatize attack
Illinois quick hits: Illinois House members vote along party lines; More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days; State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee for November 4, 2025