‘They all had to see me in a really difficult spot’: Springfield woman hurt in DUI crash calls for reform

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Chelsey Farley and her boyfriend Trevor Hopkins were riding on a motorcycle near Lake Springfield. That ride took an unexpected turn, and she doesn’t remember a lot.

“I know that I was told by the witness, that I hit the top of the car, did a couple cartwheels and then hit the ground,” Farley said.

Police said Michael Egan hit both of them. Egan has been charged with a DUI, only hours after he ended his final shift as a Springfield Police officer. His next trial date is in early December.

Farley was taken to the hospital and put in a medically induced coma for about three weeks. She suffered many injureis including breaking her pelvis in three spots, her left hip, her spine, and her clavicles, having screws put in to hold them together.

She can’t walk and needs the help of a wheelchair.

“I was completely self-sufficient before this,” she said. “I own my house, I own my own store. I’ve got two children that are 11 and six. So it takes a lot, and it’s just a little difficult right now not being able to be as mobile.”

On top of the physical impact, the medical bills have caused a financial burden along with the new need for wheelchair ramps.

“As far as repairs for the house, it’s probably been at least about $3,000 or $4,000 and building materials and supplies,” Farley said.

Following the accident, Farley’s family and the Springfield community called for accountability from the police department and the city. An internal investigation of Springfield Police for the responding officers’ handling of the crime scene is underway.

“I believe our accident is going to bring a little bit of reform because they can see the issues that we’re having,” Farley said. “There shouldn’t be such, ‘Oh well, that’s my boss, so he shouldn’t be in trouble.’ Everybody’s the same in the eyes of the law.”

Since the crash, Egan has been out on pre-trial release with conditions.

“I don’t believe that man is sorry, and I will not call it a mistake,” Farley said about Egan. “We are all taught from a really young age here in America you don’t drink and drive. And to be someone for so many years that’s supposed to be policing that fact, you knew what you were doing.”

Farley filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County Court last week suing Egan, Blue Ridge Club, and The Stadium Bar & Grill. Among the claims is Egan was “operating his vehicle carelessly and negligently” resulting in injury. Hopkins has filed a separate lawsuit for damages earlier this month.

The Curve Inn in Springfield is holding a benefit for Farley on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. More information can be found on the bar’s Facebook page.

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