New Lenox Girl Dies in Fatal Car Crash in Kankakee County
Four others were injured in the accident that took the life of a 9-year-old from Nelson Ridge School. The injured were taken to Riverside Medical Center.
A 9-year-old New Lenox girl was killed and four others were injured in a two-car accident about 10:20 a.m. Saturday in Kankakee County.
Karly Little, a 4th-grader at Nelson Ridge School, died as a result of injuries after the car she was riding in collided in the intersection of Kankakee County 6000 N. Road and Route 50 in the area of Bourbonnais and Manteno Townships. She was taken to Provena St. Mary's Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Her dad, Ken Little, 53, remains in intensive care following surgery, according to a relative.
Little was driving a 2009 Hyundai; his two daughters, 11-year-old Katie, and 9-year-old Karly were in the back seat, according to Illinois State Police. While driving eastbound on Kankakee County 6000 N. Road, police say, he failed to stop at a stop sign at Route 50 and collided with a 2003 GMC headed south on Route 50.
Ken Little, and daughter Katie, 11, were taken to Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, while Karly was taken to Provena St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee.
Katie is expected to be released today, according to Karly's aunt, Fran Bialobrzecki, who works in the front office of South Holland's Fancher Printers, which Ken Little managed. She suffered bruises, a bump on the head and a black eye.
Ken, however, remains in intensive care at Riverside Medical Center, she said. "He had major surgery. ... His spleen was removed; he broke a couple of ribs and (has) a collapsed lung."
The Little family is coping as best they can, said Bialobrzecki. "It's reality now. It's beginning to sink in."
Funeral services have not yet been finalized.
The driver of the GMC, Jose Villagomez, 22, and a 1-year-old boy were injured as well and taken to Riverside Medical Center, said Ryan Wilson, safety education officer for Illinois State Police District 21. Condition reports on Villagomez and the baby have not been released by Riverside Medical Center.
Along with Illinois State Police, officers from the Kankakee County Sheriff's Department were on the scene as well as the Bradley, Bourbonnais and Manteno Fire Protection Districts.
No tickets have yet been issued; however, Illinois State Police are still investigating the accident.
An email message seeking prayers for the family was sent out Sunday among the members of New Life Church, where the Little family worshipped.
The Legacy Traveling Soccer Team that Karly Little played on is planning to dedicate the regular 6-7:30 p.m. Monday at Lincoln-Way Central High School as a "memorial practice" for Karly.
Concerned (NL)
11:08 am on Monday, October 15, 2012
How sad for both familes involved in this accident - Rest in peace
Carrie
11:45 am on Monday, October 15, 2012
My heart is heavy for the Little family. Karly was such a sweet, beautiful girl that brought a smile to many faces. May God be with her family and friends, especially her parents and sister, through this unimaginable time. Rest in peace sweet baby girl, you will be remembered always.
Jill
12:35 pm on Monday, October 15, 2012
I imagine there is no pain more far-reaching and deeper than losing a child.
My heart and prayers go out to Karen and her family at this most difficult time.
No name
1:15 pm on Monday, October 15, 2012
I do not know them personally, but I feel their pain deeply.. God bless the family. My thoughts and prayers go out to them.
crd
3:39 pm on Monday, October 15, 2012
So so sad, you just never know..hug your kids before they walk out the door!
Jill
8:39 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
A friend of mine lives near the accident site...
She told me that intersection has a lot of accidents.
Perhaps now something will be done at that intersection to make it safer.
Maria
9:23 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Prayers to the Little family. God bless this family.
Pro Life Crusader +
10:25 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
One question! Seat belts worn? Very tragic accident.
Concerned (NL)
11:34 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Yes seat belts were on - the car was t-boned on the side that Katey was sitting.
Pro Life Crusader +
5:22 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Concerned thank you! Very tragic loss of losing a daughter, but the other driver must feel awful too! We all have to be very astute when driving and pay attention to our surroundings!
Christopher Reed
11:12 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Ken was a client of ours and we saw him often; a very nice man and this is all so tragic. My heart goes out to all of them; I never knew his daughters, but remember him fondly and hope he will recover. A terrible loss for all concerned. I'm especially horrified by hearing how close his daughters were to one another. It will be a long process recovering from all of this, and I wish them the best!
Christopher Reed
11:20 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Do get well, Ken... you always had a strong constitution - prove it now.... ;-)
Elise rodriguez
9:44 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I new the littles a specially karly she was one of my closest friends I miss her so much