Police seek witnesses to Villa Park crash

Police are seeking witnesses to the Wednesday car crash in Villa Park that killed Emma Valeroso, 63, a "wonderfully kind" employee of the DuPage Convalescent Center in Wheaton.

Valeroso, a certified nursing associate, "took great care of her patients each and every day," said Beth Welch, administrator of the center.

Valeroso, of Carol Stream, was a passenger in a Toyota Highlander that was hit by a northbound Ford Explorer that crossed over into the southbound lanes of Route 83 between Washington Street and Riverside Drive, Villa Park police officer William Lyons said.

The accident is under investigation by Villa Park police and the DuPage County Major Crash Investigation Task Force.

"We're basically looking for anybody that was behind either of the cars, northbound or southbound," Lyons said.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call (630) 834-7447.

There are no signs that alcohol was a factor, Lyons said.

Police have not yet been able to talk to either of the drivers involved in the crash.

Valeroso's husband Justiano, 65, is in stable condition at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. Police have not released the names of the Explorer's 19-year-old driver or his passenger, who are being treated in area hospitals for serious injuries.

Emma and Justiano Valeroso both started work at the DuPage Convalescent Center in January 2003. Staff and residents are "deeply saddened" by her death, Welch said.

"Those of us who had the privilege to know and work with Emma and Justiano wish to express our sincere condolences to the entire Valeroso family," Welch said.

Funeral arrangements are pending.