A Huntley woman, who was a grandmother, died after she suffered a medical event that caused her to crash her car into a pole on Christmas Day in DuPage County.
The incident happened around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Villa Avenue and Lake Street in Addison, according to Addison Chief of Police Roy Selvik.
A vehicle driven by a woman was traveling northbound on Villa Avenue just south of Lake Street.
The car left the roadway and struck a utility pole, Selvik said.
Paramedics transported the woman to a local hospital. She was later transferred to the University of Chicago Medical Center where she died on Friday.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the driver as Karen Davis, 61, of Huntley.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Selvik said there was an indication that Davis may have suffered a medical issue prior to the crash but he deferred to the medical examiner’s office for further information.
The medical examiner’s office ruled Davis’ cause of death to be multiple injuries from her SUV striking the pole.
The office did not attribute the medical event to her death, which was ruled an accident.
Crystal Lake resident Kathy Davis said Karen Davis suffered a brain aneurysm that led to the fatal crash.
“The last thing anyone expects on Christmas is to find out that someone they love is leaving them forever,” Davis said.
Karen Davis “touched so many hearts” and was a mother and an “extraordinary” grandmother whose unwavering support and unconditional love inspired her grandchildren every day,” Kathy Davis said.
“Her selflessness and generosity were a constant source of comfort and strength. As a mother, Karen was always ready to share a laugh, or create lifelong memories. Her love, guidance, and devotion will be deeply missed,” she added.
A GoFundMe created to assist the family with unexpected costs has raised over $4,000 from nearly 40 donors.