Authorities have identified a Marengo woman as the second victim in a double-fatal, head-on crash that took place near Huntley Thursday evening.
Emmalee Toler, 22, of Marengo, was identified by the McHenry County Coroner’s Office on Monday as the driver and sole occupant of a Chevrolet Sonic that was involved in the double fatal crash on Thursday.
McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein said an autopsy completed Monday shows Toler died of blunt force injuries consistent with a motor vehicle collision.
Toxicology testing is still pending, Rein said.
Kane County Sheriff officials said the preliminary investigation indicates a Volkswagen Jetta driven by Nathan King, 28, of Hampshire, was traveling westbound on Big Timber Road when, for reasons still under investigation, it appears the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane while negotiating a curve.
Sheriff officials said investigators have not identified any independent witnesses to the crash, and no surveillance cameras have been located in the area.
The Huntley Fire Protection District and Kane County Sheriff’s Office responded around 5:28 p.m. Thursday to the area of Sandwald Road and Big Timber Road in unincorporated Huntley for a report of a vehicle crash.
Huntley Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Eric Bentley said multiple 911 calls were received reporting a two-vehicle crash with injuries.
911 callers reported people were still inside the vehicles, and the airbags had deployed.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived first and reported that two victims were unresponsive and there was an unknown entrapment.
Bentley said fire crews arrived to find both vehicles with significant front-end damage in the roadway just west of the intersection.
Firefighters were able to access both drivers without the need for extrication.
Both were confirmed unconscious and not breathing, with paramedics providing lifesaving measures, according to fire department radio traffic.
A medical helicopter was initially requested to respond to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, but was later canceled.
Bentley said the adult male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Toler was transported to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene to begin the investigation into the cause and manner of death of King, who was transported to the coroner’s office for further examination.
An autopsy was performed earlier Friday, and the preliminary results showed King suffered multiple injuries consistent with a motor vehicle crash.
Members of the Kane County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, Evidence Division, Drone Team, and the Kane County Office of Emergency Management responded to assist with the investigation and scene management.
Both vehicles were removed from the scene and transported to a secure facility for further examination.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office was notified and is assisting with the investigation, sheriff officials said.
The crash remains under active investigation by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office.
In addition, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office said they extend its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those involved during this difficult time.