An Illinois man is facing grave charges after a deadly DUI crash that claimed the life of a 71-year-old, officials said. Terence Smith, 59, from University Park, was slapped with Aggravated DUI Resulting in Death and Reckless Homicide for the December road horror in unincorporated Bloom Township, according to Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart.
Early on Dec. 16, a multi-vehicle wreck spelled tragedy near the intersection of Sauk Trail and Western Avenue. Responding to the crash around 8:27 a.m., Sheriff’s Police discovered a scene of wreckage and the severely injured Walter Smith (no relation to the accused), who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, the Sheriff's Police detailed in a statement.
Cook County Sheriff's Office reported that the investigation revealed Terence Smith, allegedly speeding westbound, tried to overtake another car but instead rammed into Walter Smith's vehicle. The impact was so severe it sent Walter Smith's car spinning into a third vehicle, whose driver emerged unscathed and refused medical attention at the scene.
Having survived the crash with minor injuries, Terence Smith's blood alcohol level was found to exceed .08, leading to the charges being leveled against him on New Year’s Day. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the felony charges, announced the Sheriff's Office. Smith is expected to face them at his initial appearance at the Markham Courthouse.
