KENDALL COUNTY, IL — A 22-year-old Sugar Grove man faces multiple felony charges after a four-vehicle crash in Kendall County left three members of an Iowa family dead Friday night on Illinois Route 71 south of Millbrook. Illinois State Police say Carson Rehkopf was arrested after the collision and remained in the Kendall County Jail before his first court appearance. Prosecutors approved aggravated DUI charges tied to the deaths, along with additional counts linked to serious injuries. Five people were hurt in the crash.
How the crash unfolded
State police said Rehkopf was traveling south about 9:15 p.m. when he crossed into the northbound lanes while trying to pass several vehicles. His vehicle struck an SUV head-on, setting off the four-vehicle crash. Investigators said the initial impact involved multiple vehicles in the southbound and northbound lanes near Millbrook. The crash scene led to a major emergency response late Friday as first responders worked to treat the injured and determine what happened.
Victims identified by police
The occupants of the SUV were identified as Amy Witter, 38, James Witter, 61, and their 4-year-old daughter, all from Des Moines, Iowa. All three died from their injuries. Their deaths made the crash one of the deadliest in the area in recent memory and brought a family trip or drive on a rural Illinois highway to a fatal end. Police said five people in total were injured in the collision, including Rehkopf.
Charges approved by prosecutors
Prosecutors approved six felony counts of aggravated DUI involving death and two counts of aggravated DUI involving great bodily harm, along with additional traffic charges. Those charges reflect both the fatal injuries and the serious harm caused in the wreck. Rehkopf was taken into custody after the crash and was being held at the county jail as the case moved toward an initial court appearance. The criminal complaint follows the fatal investigation by Illinois State Police.
Next steps in court
The case now shifts from the roadside investigation to the courthouse, where Rehkopf’s first appearance was pending. Court proceedings will determine how the charges move forward and what evidence prosecutors present about the crash. For Kendall County, the incident leaves behind a scene of sudden loss and a serious felony case centered on impaired driving allegations. State police continue to be the lead agency on the crash investigation.
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