A family of four, including a young girl, died Friday night in a head-on collision on a highway west of Chicago, according to authorities and relatives. The crash occurred around 9:15 p.m. when a pickup truck traveling southbound allegedly crossed into the northbound lane and struck the family's SUV.
Amy Witter, 38, died at the scene. James Witter, 65, and a four-year-old girl, identified as Maddie in an online fundraiser, were taken to area hospitals where they later died, the Kendall County Coroner's Office stated. All victims were from Des Moines, Iowa. Relatives also announced that Danny Love, Amy Witter's husband and Maddie's father, died in the crash, though authorities have not yet officially confirmed his death.
Another daughter of Danny Love and Amy Witter, Azari, sustained injuries in the collision and remains in critical condition at a hospital, according to the online fundraiser.
Illinois State Police identified the driver of the pickup truck as 22-year-old Carson Rehkopf. He was arrested and booked into the Kendall County Jail on Sunday, facing eight felony charges. These include six counts of aggravated driving under the influence involving death and two counts of aggravated driving under the influence involving great bodily harm. Rehkopf's mugshot shows his arm in a sling.
The collision, which occurred on a highway west of Chicago, resulted in a four-car pileup. Five individuals in total were transported to hospitals following the incident. Forensic autopsies for the victims were scheduled for Sunday, but findings have not yet been released. The Illinois State Police continue to investigate the crash.
Rehkopf made his initial court appearance on Monday. His next court date is scheduled for August 17. If convicted of the aggravated DUI involving death charges, Rehkopf could face three to 14 years in prison for each count, be ineligible for parole, have his license revoked, and incur fines up to $25,000. Conviction for aggravated DUI involving great bodily harm carries potential sentences of one to three years in prison and fines up to $25,000.