
The coroner’s office has released the identity of a Huntley woman and mother who died after she suffered severe injuries in a three-vehicle crash in Carpentersville.
The Carpentersville Police Department and Carpentersville Fire Department responded around 4:48 p.m. on January 8 to the area of Randall Road and Binnie Road for a report of a multiple-vehicle crash with injuries.
Fire crews arrived and found a three-vehicle crash with heavy damage.
The West Dundee and Rutland Dundee fire departments also responded to assist at the scene.
One victim was unconscious and not breathing and lifesaving measures were performed, according to fire department emergency radio traffic.
Kane County Coroner Dr. Monica Silva identified her on Friday as Maria Drinkwater, 70, of Huntley.
Paramedics transported Drinkwater to Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin where she was pronounced dead, the Carpentersville Police Department said.
An investigation showed Drinkwater’s car was traveling northbound on Randall Road.
She was attempting to turn left to go westbound on Binnie Road while an SUV traveled southbound on Randall Road, police said.
The SUV struck Drinkwater’s vehicle at the intersection. A third vehicle was also involved and a pole was knocked down after being hit.
The Kane County Office of Emergency Management and the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team responded to the scene and are conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Binne Rd was shut down between Huntley Road and Galligan Road. Randall Road was shut down for all southbound traffic at Miller Road.
Police say they have obtained video footage of the crash from a passing vehicle, which was equipped with an onboard camera.
“We thank all responding agencies and citizens who stopped to assist or share video evidence. Your help has been invaluable in addressing this tragic incident,” police officials said.
Silva said Drinkwater suffered severe injuries and her body was transported to the Kane County Coroner’s Office morgue for an autopsy.
The autopsy was performed on January 10 and the preliminary cause of death was determined to be multiple injuries from a motor vehicle crash, Silva said.
Toxicology samples were collected and are undergoing analysis at a forensic lab.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Ms. Drinkwater’s children and extended family during this difficult time,” Silva said.
Anyone with information or video is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Acevedo with the Carpentersville Police Department at 847-551-3431 or QuadCom Dispatch at 847-428-8784.