HINCKLEY, IL — A devastating single-vehicle crash claimed the life of 77-year-old Kayla Ford of Waterman in the predawn hours Wednesday. The fatal collision occurred near the intersection of Route 30 and Rimsnider Road, leaving the small community in mourning.
DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene at 1:27 a.m. to find Ford’s Chevrolet Cruze severely damaged and the driver trapped inside. Emergency crews from the Hinckley Fire Department worked diligently to extricate Ford from the wreckage before rushing her to Valley West Hospital in Sandwich. Due to the gravity of her injuries, she was later airlifted to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford, where she tragically succumbed to her wounds.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. While preliminary reports indicate no other vehicles were involved, officials are examining multiple potential factors including road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and possible medical emergencies. The Winnebago County Coroner’s Office will conduct further analysis to determine the exact cause of death.
Ford, remembered by neighbors as a kind and careful driver, was a beloved member of the Waterman community. Her sudden passing has left family and friends heartbroken. “She was the glue that held our family together,” shared a tearful relative who asked not to be named. “We’re all struggling to understand how this could happen.”
The dangerous stretch of Route 30 has been the site of numerous accidents in recent years, prompting calls for increased safety measures. Local officials plan to review traffic patterns and visibility in the area as part of their investigation. Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office urges anyone with information about Ford’s final hours to come forward.
As the community grieves, funeral arrangements are being made at Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Homes. The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety for drivers of all ages. Authorities expect the investigation to continue for several weeks as they piece together the events leading to this heartbreaking loss.
