Driver of van in fatal Huntley crash released

The driver of a minivan involved in a fatal three-vehicle crash Friday near Huntley has been released from the hospital.

Francisco J. Ramirez-Francisco, 20, of Woodstock, was driving north on Route 47 Friday when he lost control of the vehicle and was hit by a truck going south on Route 47.

The crash took place around 2:30 p.m. near Foster and Conley roads. Police said slippery roads may have been a factor.

One of Ramirez-Francisco's six passengers, 6-year-old Deann Ramirez of Woodstock, was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

Another passenger was transported to Lutheran General Hospital. Police did not release the passenger's name or condition.

One of two injured children was a 1-year-old girl, who was initially in critical condition. The other child was a 10-year-old boy who was listed in good condition. Police did not release the names of either child.

The minivan driver's wife, 29-year-old Luz Vey Morales, also was in the vehicle and was in stable condition Saturday in the intensive care unit of Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin.

A relative of the driver, Andres Balivia, about 20 years old, was taken to Centegra Hospital in Woodstock, where he was in serious but stable condition Saturday.

Balivia's wife, Mari Gallardo, about 20, has been released from St. Joseph Hospital.

The driver of the truck, James Castle, 58, of Bloomingdale, was treated at the scene.

A third driver, Thomas Marley, 23, of Woodstock, was driving behind the truck and swerved to avoid it, running off the road, police said. Marley and his passenger were treated at the scene.

No one has been charged in the crash, and no citations have been issued, police said Saturday.

Authorities were investigating if all the passengers in the minivan were secured by seat belts or child safety seats.

The McHenry County sheriff's office is investigating.