Update On La Grange Fatal Crash Inquiry

LA GRANGE, IL – The village of La Grange responded to Patch's inquiry late last week about the status of the investigation into the April fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of a Hinsdale couple.

"This is still an ongoing investigation," Village Manager Jack Knight said in an email. "Given the complexity of the investigation and the multiple entities involved, it’s not possible to provide a timeline right now."

Investigations into fatal crashes can last months. That was the case in Hinsdale in July 2023 when a car wash employee struck and killed a Hinsdale boy walking on a public sidewalk. Authorities announced the results of that inquiry more than three months later.

During the afternoon of April 25, a driver struck several cars near and within the intersection of 47th Street and Willow Springs Road, including the car occupied by Hinsdale residents Brett Allen Lane, 51, and Melissa Ann Lane, 49, La Grange police said. The Lanes died.

Police said they were considering the possibility that a health issue may have played a role in the driver's conduct. The driver's name was not released.

Before the collision, Western Springs police responded to two crashes involving the same SUV in the village's part of Willow Springs Road, police said.

The intersection of Willow Springs Road and 47th Street is at the boundary between the villages, with Western Springs to the west.

According to their obituary, the Lanes met while attending graduate school at Northwestern University, studying engineering. He continued his career in engineering and product management at Tinley Park-based Panduit Corp.

The obituary said their proudest accomplishment was raising their five children.