GURNEE, Ill. — A devastating crash in Gurnee on Sunday night claimed the life of a 29-year-old Evanston woman and left two children injured after a vehicle reportedly struck a patch of ice and lost control, authorities confirmed. The fatal collision occurred amid icy road conditions that have raised concerns about winter driving safety across northern Illinois.
According to the Gurnee Police Department, the accident happened around 8:54 p.m. on Grand Avenue over Interstate 94. Investigators said a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban was traveling westbound when the driver attempted to change lanes. In doing so, the SUV apparently hit a patch of ice, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The Suburban then veered across the center median into the eastbound lanes, where it collided head-on with a 2007 Ford Focus.
The impact of the collision was severe, sending the Ford Focus off the roadway and into a nearby ditch. The driver of the Focus, Bria Allen, 29, of Evanston, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that Allen died from blunt force injuries sustained in the crash. Her sudden death has left family and friends heartbroken, as the community mourns the loss of a young life cut short by treacherous road conditions.
Inside the Suburban were a 29-year-old woman from Waukegan and her two children — a 5-year-old boy and an 8-month-old girl. All three were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Authorities have not yet released their conditions, but early reports indicate that emergency responders acted swiftly to provide medical aid at the scene.
The Gurnee Police Department, with support from the Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT), continues to investigate the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that the icy road surface and winter weather played significant roles in the crash, though officials are also examining whether other factors may have contributed. No other vehicles or injuries were reported.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution as winter conditions return to the area. Officials reminded the public to reduce speed, increase following distances, and avoid sudden lane changes on slick roads. The heartbreaking loss of Bria Allen underscores the unpredictable dangers of icy highways and the importance of remaining vigilant behind the wheel.
