The Illinois State Police, District 10 are seeking assistance for details for an ongoing investigation that occurred on the early morning hours (1:04 AM) of Sunday, January 1st on I-74 Westbound at Mile post 182. The accident was a fatal traffic crash involving a DUI Wrong-Way Driver.
According to preliminary details, ISP traffic crash reconstruction officers and ISP Zone 5 investigators, who assisted with the crash investigation, have determined the driver of a black 2007 Dodge Nitro, Esteban J. Tomas of Champaign, IL (unit 1) was travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-74 at Milepost 182 in the inner most lane. At the same time the driver of a Silver 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, LaDonna J. Brady of Mahomet, IL (unit 2) was traveling westbound in the inner most lane along the same path. Unit 2 was struck head-on by Unit 1.
Both drivers were then transported to the nearest hospital by ambulance. While both suffered significant injuries, Unit 2 was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. Unit 1 was later arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and for not having a valid driver’s license.
The details of the crash are still under investigation, so ISP are asking anyone who may have any additional information regarding the crash or may have witnessed anything leading up to the crash to please contact Zone 5 investigators at 217-278-5000.
