A Deerfield mother of three died after she was hit by a vehicle whose driver says he did not see her in the crosswalk in downtown Lake Forest, with officials calling it a “tragic incident.”
The Lake Forest Police Department and Lake Forest Fire Department responded around 12:50 p.m. on June 27 to Oakwood Avenue and Deerpath Road for a report of a vehicle and pedestrian crash.
Lake Forest Deputy Police Chief Kevin Zelk said a preliminary investigation showed a woman was walking in the marked crosswalk.
She was crossing Oakwood Avenue just north of Deerpath Road when she was struck by an SUV traveling northbound.
Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton identified her as Roberta Seedman, 68, of Deerfield.
The driver, a 75-year-old Riverwoods man, told investigators he was turning left onto northbound Oakwood Avenue and he did not see Seedman in the crosswalk before the collision occurred, Zelk said.
Witnesses reported that Seedman fell onto the roadway following the collision and suffered serious injuries, Zelk said.
The Lake Forest Fire Department transported Seedman to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
Lake Forest Fire Chief Andy Rick said that Seedman suffered significant trauma after striking her head on the pavement, despite limited visible external injuries.
“Head injuries can worsen rapidly and become life-threatening. This tragic incident is a reminder of the importance of attentive driving and immediate medical evaluation following a head injury,” Rick said.
Seedman was pronounced dead at the hospital on Thursday and Newton said she is believed to have suffered complications from the head injury sustained in the crash.
An obituary for Seedman said she was a “beloved wife” for 37 years and “loving mother” to three children. A funeral service was held on Monday.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office is assisting the Lake Forest Police Department with the ongoing investigation.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators, Zelk said.
There was no indication that alcohol, drugs or a medical emergency contributed to the crash.
“This is a heartbreaking incident, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke said.
“The Lake Forest Police Department reminds motorists and pedestrians to remain alert, particularly in areas with significant pedestrian activity,” Burke said.
Police say drivers should be prepared to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and pedestrians should remain aware of surrounding traffic when crossing roadways.
The investigation remains ongoing and no citations or charges have been announced yet.