Overview
- The crash occurred about 9:15 p.m. Friday on Illinois Route 71 near Walker Road when police say a southbound pickup crossed into northbound lanes to pass multiple vehicles and struck an SUV head‑on.
- Three occupants of the SUV from Des Moines died, identified by officials as Amy L. Witter, 38, James Witter, and a 4‑year‑old girl, while a fourth SUV occupant was hospitalized.
- Police and the Kendall County State's Attorney charged 22‑year‑old Carson M. Rehkopf of Sugar Grove with six counts of aggravated DUI involving death, two counts of aggravated DUI involving great bodily harm, and multiple traffic offenses.
- Rehkopf was injured in the crash, is held at the Kendall County Jail, and is awaiting his first court appearance as state police and the county coroner continue their investigations.
- The crash involved four vehicles in total and underscores risks of unsafe passing on two‑lane roads at night, a factor prosecutors and safety officials will likely examine as the case moves toward felony proceedings.