Vermilion Co. woman killed in rural car vs. semi crash

MILFORD, Ill. (WCIA) — A Vermilion County woman is dead after her vehicle collided with a semi-tractor in rural Milford Wednesday evening.

Just before 5 p.m., Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police responded to the car vs. semi accident at the intersection of County Road 2000 East and 1000 North. The first vehicle, a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, was traveling southbound on County Road 2000 East. For unknown reasons, the driver proceeded through the marked intersection without stopping, where she hit the second vehicle — a 2014 Peterbilt semi-tractor — which was traveling westbound.

The collision sent both vehicles into the ditch on the southwest side of the intersection with the semi-tractor overturning.

The driver of the semi-tractor, identified as Sebastian Lade, 32 of Milford, was treated for minor injuries and was released on-scene. The driver of the Chrysler, identified as Sara Rhodes, 64 of Hoopeston, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rhodes was a volunteer member of Hospice Hearts Animal Rescue in Urbana. Hospice Hearts shared a statement with WCIA:

Working in rescue we get to know many people with the same love to rescue animals. Sara Rhodes was known by Hospice Hearts and always helps when she could. Hospice Hearts and many local rescues will miss Sara’s giving heart.

Hospice Hearts Animal Rescue

The Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police were assisted by the Milford Fire Protection District, Milford EMS, the Iroquois County Coroner’s Office and an Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Team.

Officials are still investigating the accident. There is no further information available at this time.

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