MILLBROOK, IL — A Friday night crash on Illinois Route 71 near Walker Road in Kendall County left three people dead and two others injured, according to Illinois State Police. Troopers said the collision happened about 9:15 p.m. when a southbound driver tried to pass several vehicles and struck another car head-on. A total of four vehicles were involved in the wreck. Five people were taken to local hospitals after the crash.
Victims identified by coroner
The Kendall County Coroner’s Office identified the people who died as Amy Lee Whitter, 38; James Witter, 65; and a 4-year-old girl. Authorities said all three were from Des Moines, Iowa. Police did not release additional details about the circumstances of the victims’ deaths beyond confirming that they were among the people taken to the hospital after the crash.
How the crash unfolded
State police said the crash began when a driver heading south attempted to pass multiple vehicles. That maneuver led to a head-on impact with another car on Route 71. The collision spread to include four vehicles in all. The cause of the crash has not been further explained, and investigators did not provide information on possible charges or citations.
Road closure lasted overnight
Illinois Route 71 was shut down after the wreck while crews and investigators worked at the scene. Police said the roadway remained closed until 5:03 a.m. Saturday. The overnight closure affected traffic in the area near Millbrook, but officials did not provide a detour map or say how long cleanup operations took to finish.
No further details released
Illinois State Police said no other information was available following the crash report. That means key questions remain unanswered, including whether weather, speed, or other factors played any role. The investigation is expected to continue as authorities review what led to the deadly collision and what steps may follow.
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