Rochelle, IL – Authorities have confirmed that 27-year-old Araceli Zepeda of Rochelle tragically lost her life in a crash on Interstate 88 Monday morning.
According to the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office, the accident occurred around 9:22 a.m. on the westbound lanes of I-88. Zepeda was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with another car, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash into a line of trees.
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Emergency responders arrived promptly, finding Zepeda unresponsive at the scene. She was airlifted to a Rockford hospital, where medical personnel worked for hours to save her life. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at 7:59 p.m.
Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the driver involved or the exact cause of the collision. The Illinois State Police and Winnebago County Coroner’s Office are investigating the crash and reviewing evidence to determine the sequence of events. Autopsy results are pending.
Family, friends, and the Rochelle community are mourning the loss of Araceli, remembering her as a kind-hearted and compassionate young woman whose life ended far too soon. Loved ones continue to cherish memories of her warmth, laughter, and generosity.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Araceli Zepeda’s family and community continue to grieve the heartbreaking loss of a life taken too early.