Crash Deaths Ruled Accidental

OTTAWA – The deaths of two women involved in a head-on collision were ruled accidental Thursday by a LaSalle County coroner’s jury.

On Dec. 19, Deborah Boe, 53, of Ottawa was southbound on Illinois 23 a few miles north of Streator when she crossed the center line and collided with a northbound pickup truck driven by Roberta Pedelty, 47, of rural Streator. LaSalle County accident reconstructionist Greg Jacobson did not know why Boe crossed into the northbound lane but said a slight hill may have obscured her vision from oncoming traffic.

Both died in the emergency room of St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator.

The Pedelty family is suing the Boe estate for an unspecified amount, claiming the woman was on medication at the time and in no condition to drive.

Coroner Jody Bernard said the prescription medication in her system was within an acceptable range. Neither victim had illegal drugs or alcohol in her system. Both victims were wearing their seat belts and died of blunt chest wounds.

No hearing date has been set on the lawsuit.

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