Crest Hill, Illinois (October 31, 2025) — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a collision on Friday afternoon involving a Jeep Wrangler and a semi-truck on Route 53 near Renwick Road as 34-year-old Keiri I. Gonzalez of Joliet. According to the Crest Hill Police Department, Gonzalez was ejected from her vehicle during the crash and later died at the hospital.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 12:15 p.m. in the 16000 block of Route 53. Crest Hill Police Chief Ed Clark said Gonzalez was driving a Jeep Wrangler south toward Joliet when it collided with a northbound semi-truck out of Chicago driven by a 71-year-old man. Although the collision was not head-on, one of the vehicles reportedly struck the side of the other, causing the Jeep to sustain significant damage and ejecting Gonzalez from the vehicle.
Emergency crews transported Gonzalez to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet, where she was pronounced deceased. A 54-year-old man and two juveniles who were passengers in the Jeep were taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox for treatment of injuries. The semi-truck driver was not reported injured. Route 53 was closed for several hours before reopening around 4 p.m.
Investigation: The Illinois State Police are assisting Crest Hill authorities in reconstructing the crash to determine which vehicle may have crossed the center line. Investigators are reviewing roadway evidence, including skid marks and vehicle damage, to establish the sequence of impacts. They are also examining whether factors such as driver distraction, fatigue, or roadway conditions contributed to the collision.
In serious crashes involving both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, investigators typically analyze multiple forms of evidence, including electronic data recorders (also known as “black boxes”), vehicle maintenance logs, signal and speed data, and dashcam or nearby surveillance footage. They may also evaluate lighting, weather conditions, and potential mechanical issues while conducting toxicology tests to rule out impairment. The findings will help determine whether any traffic violations or civil infractions occurred.
Legal Considerations: Collisions involving commercial trucks and passenger vehicles often result in devastating consequences due to the truck’s weight and stopping distance. Under Illinois law, both truck and passenger vehicle drivers are required to maintain their lanes and exercise due care to avoid crossing the center line or causing sideswipe impacts. If the investigation determines that the truck driver’s negligence contributed to the crash, the trucking company could face civil liability for wrongful death and personal injury damages.
The family of Keiri Gonzalez may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. The injured passengers may also be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and pain through a truck accident claim.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Keiri Gonzalez and wish a swift recovery to those injured in this tragic collision.
Source: Joliet Patch