Jan. 17 collision occurred on Marshall County Road 450
MARSHALL, IL, (January 17, 2025) - Kayleigh Dalrymple, a 14-year-old freshman student at Illinois Valley Central High School, was killed in a crash near Chillicothe on Jan. 17, according to the Marshall County State’s Attorney.
Kayleigh Dalrymple lost her life on Jan. when the vehicle she was a passenger in was involved in a DUI-related accident.
The incident occurred on Marshall County Road 450 when a Jeep carrying six teens went off the road and crashed into trees. Kayleigh was pronounced dead after the crash, while the other five individuals in the vehicle were injured.
The 15-year-old driver of the Jeep has been charged with reckless homicide, aggravated reckless driving, and aggravated DUI. The driver was also cited for driving without a valid driver’s license, failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and failing to ensure passengers were wearing seat belts.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Despite crackdowns throughout this country, impaired drivers remain a threat to innocent, law-abiding victims.
The consumption of alcohol can diminish the ability to operate a motor vehicle. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, each year about 300,000 people are injured in the U.S. by drunken drivers.
An independent investigation will be required to learn other potential factors in the case such as blood alcohol content levels.
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, was interviewed and provided her thoughts on incidents such as this.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party, said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an injured victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a driver who takes the wheel under the influence is held accountable for their actions.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Kayleigh Dalrymple may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected."
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).