WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. — A passenger in a vehicle crash on I-88 in Lee County was identified as 27-year-old Araceli Zepeda of Rochelle, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred just before 9:30 a.m. Monday when the vehicle, traveling westbound, collided with another car, left the roadway, and struck a tree. Illinois State Police and the Rochelle Fire Department responded to the scene, where they found Zepeda unconscious.
Emergency medical personnel provided treatment, and Zepeda was airlifted to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead later that evening at approximately 8 p.m.
An autopsy conducted by the Winnebago County Coroner's Office is complete; however, the cause of death remains pending. The crash is currently under investigation by the Coroner's Office and Illinois State Police. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.