Laura O’Keefe Obituary, Lombard, IL Accident Death – In Loving Memory
Laura O’Keefe, age 35, passed away on May 12, 2026, following injuries sustained in a tragic multi-vehicle crash in Lombard, Illinois. Her death has left her family, friends, and community devastated as they mourn the loss of a loving, kind, and deeply cherished woman whose life was cut short in an unexpected and heartbreaking incident.
According to a press release from DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Police Chief Joe Grage, the crash occurred on May 10 at approximately 5:24 p.m. near 2780 S. Highland Avenue, just north of Butterfield Road. Laura was driving a Subaru Outback when her vehicle was struck during a chain-reaction collision allegedly caused by a South Elgin man, later identified as 48-year-old Dwayne Rushing.
Authorities allege that Rushing was driving under the influence at the time of the crash. He has been charged with Aggravated DUI Causing Death and Aggravated DUI Causing Great Bodily Harm. Officials reported that his blood alcohol content was 0.116 and that an open alcoholic beverage was recovered from his vehicle. He is currently being held in custody pending further court proceedings.
Laura was transported to a local hospital following the crash, where she suffered traumatic brain injuries. Despite emergency surgery and life-saving efforts, she was pronounced deceased on May 12. A passenger in her vehicle also sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
Officials described the crash as entirely preventable, and both law enforcement and prosecutors have emphasized the devastating impact of impaired driving. Authorities praised the efforts of the Lombard Police Department and the DuPage MERIT Major Crash Reconstruction Team for their investigation.
Laura O’Keefe is remembered as a compassionate and loving individual whose presence brought warmth to those around her. Her family has asked for privacy as they grieve this unimaginable loss. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.