Traffic charges dropped against driver in fatal Rt. 53 accident
The traffic charges against a Buffalo Grove woman who police say struck and killed a tire changer on Route 53 have been dropped.
However, authorities say more serious charges may be forthcoming.
Kelly Luch, 23, faced charges of improper lane usage, improper passing on the shoulder and using an electronic device while driving in the Aug. 1 accident, which took place on the northbound shoulder of Route 53 near the Kirchoff Road exit in Rolling Meadows.
The charges were dismissed “to allow the Illinois State Police to potentially investigate if more serious charges will be filed in this case,” said a spokeswoman for the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney.
Authorities say Luch’s 2009 Mitsubishi swiped a semitrailer truck in the center lane and hit the disabled vehicle, pinning 39-year-old Marcin Niepsuj between the median and the vehicle. Niepsuj, a married father of two from Hawthorn Woods, died Sept. 1 from his injuries.
According to the Illinois State Police report of the accident, Luch “self-admitted that she was scrolling through her cellphone contact list” at the time of the accident.
Niepsuj’s family has filed a wrongful-death suit against Luch seeking at least $50,000 in damages.