Pontiac, IL (September 28, 2025) – A 70-year-old woman tragically lost her life in a two-vehicle crash on Thursday morning, September 25, at the intersection of Walmart Drive and West Reynolds Street in Pontiac.
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Livingston County Coroner Mike Renner said Nancy Benedict of Pontiac drove her car through the intersection when a pickup truck driven by 63-year-old Michael Stalter of Chenoa struck her vehicle. The crash happened around 9:15 a.m. and left both vehicles heavily damaged.
Emergency crews rushed Benedict to OSF St. James Hospital, where she died shortly before 10 a.m. Paramedics treated Stalter for minor injuries and released him later that morning. Investigators cited him for disobeying a traffic signal after the collision.
The Livingston County Coroner’s Office ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of her death. The Pontiac Police Department and the Illinois State Police accident reconstruction team continue to investigate what caused the deadly crash.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Nancy Benedict during this heartbreaking time.
Fatal Car Accidents in Illinois
Fatal car accidents claim hundreds of lives across Illinois each year. The Illinois Department of Transportation reported more than 1,100 traffic deaths statewide last year. Many of these tragedies happen because drivers speed, ignore red lights, drive distracted, or get behind the wheel while impaired. Each crash leaves families grieving and facing unexpected financial challenges.
When a negligent driver causes a deadly crash, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. In Illinois, this claim can cover funeral expenses, medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional suffering caused by the loss of a loved one. While no payment can replace a life, seeking justice can help families move forward and hold careless drivers accountable.
Navigating this process can feel overwhelming, especially while mourning a loved one. A brave wrongful death lawyer investigates the crash, works with accident reconstruction experts, negotiates with insurers, and fights to secure full compensation.
At Ankin Law, we understand the pain families face after losing someone in a preventable accident. Our compassionate team works tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.
If your family lost a loved one in a preventable crash, you do not have to face this alone. Call Ankin Law today at (844) 600-0000 for a free consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney. We will stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.
Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at this accident scene.
