Eighth victim of I-55 dust storm crashes is identified

Belleville News-Democrat
·1 min read

An eighth victim of the May 1 dust storm that triggered a rash of fiery crashes on Interstate-55 near Farmersville has been identified.

Illinois State Police said Ruth M. Rau, 81, of Sorento, Illinois, died in a hospital Wednesday due to injuries she sustained in the crash.

At least 72 vehicles were involved in crashes when wind gusts up to 45 mph and dust from surrounding agricultural fields combined to reduce visibility on the highway between mile markets 72 and 78. Thirty-seven people were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, state police said.

Eight people have not died. In addition to Rau, they include:

  • Shirley Harper, 88-year-old from Franklin, Wisconsin

  • Joseph Bates, 73-year-old from Crystal Lake, Illinois

  • Donna Bates, 71-year-old from Crystal Lake, Illinois

  • Earl LeGrand, 64-year-old from Florissant, Missouri

  • Michael Zinchuk, 55-year-old from Champaign, Illinois

  • Amy Zinchuk, 54-year-old from Champaign, Illinois

  • Otto Medina-Salazar, 58-year-old from Carthage, Missouri

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, according to state police.