Man sentenced for crash that led to Huntley woman’s death

A semitrailer truck driver who plowed into the car in front of him on Route 53, seriously injuring a Huntley woman who later died, pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated driving under the influence of cannabis resulting in a death.

In exchange for his plea, Gary Pearson, 37, of Chicago, was sentenced to four years in prison.

Pearson had drugs in his system in August 2009 when he struck a 65-year-old Huntley woman near Route 53 and I-90 in Schaumburg, said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Gerber.

An emotional Pearson apologized during his hearing before Cook County Judge Ellen Mandletort.

Pearson, who had no prior criminal background, received credit for 609 days in custody. He must complete at least 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

The victim suffered brain damage and numerous internal injuries and lost the use of her limbs as a result of the accident, Gerber said.