LA GRANGE, Ill. (WLS) — A serious west suburban crash killed a mother and father of five children on Friday afternoon, police confirmed on Monday.
The location where the crash occurred in La Grange is now decorated with flowers. The incident, which involved a minimum of seven vehicles, took place on the border of Western Springs, around 2 p.m. on Friday.
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According to La Grange police, just before the crash, the Western Springs Police Department had been dealing with two other accidents involving a white SUV on Willow Springs Road.
The white SUV, which was spotted speeding northbound on Willow Springs Road, collided with several vehicles as police were approaching the area. One of the vehicles struck was carrying a married couple from Hinsdale, near the intersection of 47th Street.
Chopper 7 was over the scene around 4:20 p.m., and the intersection was shut down for some time.
Brett Lane, 51, and Melissa Lane, 49, were killed in the crash. According to their obituary, they leave behind five children.
Described as a faith-filled couple that was deeply involved with their church, St. Isaac Jogues Father Burke Masters paid tribute to the Lanes on Monday.
“They’re pillars of our community. Very faithful people. Five beautiful children. It’s been sad and tragic,” said Masters. “Beautiful marriage and beautiful parents as well. I can’t say enough good about the people that they were and the legacy that will continue on through them here at the church and through their family.”
A funeral for the Lanes is happening on Wednesday.
At least three other people were injured in the crash.
Investigators also shut down rumors that there might have been a police chase at the time of the crash.
Police said they are evaluating all of the facts and evidence, including a possibility that the white SUV’s driver was suffering from a medical episode at the time.
Police are withholding the identity of the driver pending further investigation.
La Grange police asked anyone with information to call them at 708-579-2333.
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