ASHTON, ILLINOIS — A devastating crash on Interstate 88 near Ashton claimed the life of a 27-year-old woman after a violent rollover early Monday morning. Despite hours of medical effort and an emergency airlift to a Rockford hospital, the victim could not be saved, leaving family and friends heartbroken by the sudden loss.
The tragic collision occurred at approximately 9:22 a.m. on October 20 in Lee County, according to the Illinois State Police. Investigators say a Mazda CX-7 traveling westbound struck the rear of a Ford Transit Connect, triggering a catastrophic sequence of events that sent the Mazda off the roadway. The vehicle rolled several times before coming to a stop in a grassy median.
Inside the Mazda were three occupants, all of whom were ejected as the vehicle overturned. Authorities identified the woman who lost her life as 27-year-old Araceli Zepeda, who suffered critical injuries in the crash. Witnesses reported seeing debris scattered across multiple lanes and immediately called 911 for help as passing drivers stopped to assist.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Ashton Fire Protection District, and Illinois State Police, rushed to the scene. Paramedics worked urgently to stabilize the victims. Zepeda was airlifted by medical helicopter to a Rockford hospital, where doctors and trauma teams fought to save her life. Despite hours of treatment, she was pronounced dead at 7:59 p.m. that evening.
The driver of the Mazda, a 21-year-old woman from Chicago, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for care. An 18-year-old passenger in the same vehicle also suffered significant trauma. The 41-year-old driver of the Ford Transit Connect was injured as well, though authorities confirmed all survivors are expected to recover.
Police have not yet released details regarding what led to the collision. Investigators are examining vehicle data, speed, and possible driver impairment. An autopsy has been completed on Zepeda, and toxicology results are currently pending as part of the ongoing investigation.
Traffic along I-88 was temporarily shut down as emergency crews cleared wreckage and state troopers conducted their preliminary assessment. The crash left twisted metal and shattered glass scattered across the roadway, forcing hours-long delays for westbound travelers. Tow trucks worked through the afternoon to remove the damaged vehicles and reopen the highway.
Witnesses described the crash as sudden and violent. One motorist who stopped to help said the Mazda appeared to lose control instantly after striking the Ford. “It just flipped over and over—it happened so fast,” he said. “Everyone was doing their best to help until the paramedics arrived.”
The Illinois State Police continue to investigate whether speed or distraction played a role in the fatal crash. Officials have not filed any citations or charges as of now but stated that all contributing factors will be reviewed once test results and witness statements are complete.
The death of Araceli Zepeda has sent waves of sorrow through her community. Family members describe her as a caring, hardworking young woman whose life was filled with promise. Friends and loved ones have begun sharing tributes online, remembering her for her kindness, dedication, and warm spirit. As investigators search for answers, many are left mourning a life cut tragically short on a quiet stretch of Illinois highway.