New Lenox Girl Dies in Fatal Car Crash in Kankakee County

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.