1 Killed, 1 Injured in Rockford Car Accident
The Winnebago County Deputy Coroner confirmed that the driver, Eleanor "Norah" Sloatman, 17, a 12th-grade student at Auburn High School, died at the scene on Spring Creek Road.
Eleanor "Norah" Sloatman, 17, a 12th-grade student at Auburn High School, was killed in a car crash involving a school bus near Spring Creek Road and Welsh Road in Rockford on November 10, according to Rockford Police.
How the Spring Creek Road Crash Unfolded
Rockford Police said the collision happened at about 7:16 a.m., when a school bus headed south with 29 students on board met a passenger vehicle headed east. The Winnebago County Coroner identified Sloatman as the person who was driving the car. The Winnebago County Deputy Coroner said Sloatman died at the scene.
Police said none of the students on the bus had serious injuries. One student was checked at a hospital and then released, according to police. A spokesperson for AFSCME Local 1275, the bus driver's union, said the driver has worked for Rockford Public Schools for over 19 years. Photos from the scene showed the car with heavy front end damage and the bus resting in a nearby front yard.
What Comes Next After the Rockford Crash
Police asked drivers to avoid the area of Spring Creek Road and Welsh Road while officers investigated. No charges have been announced. Auburn High School officials said Rockford Public Schools made grief counselors available to students, and more support staff were expected to stay on hand in the coming days and weeks.
Vehicles from a serious crash are often towed to a secure lot and held for inspection. That is a standard step, and the vehicles can be held for weeks.
Candice Bond· Bond LegalFrom an earlier interview. General commentary, not about this crash, and not legal advice. The contributor may not be licensed in your state.Sources
- rockfordnewsfirst.com, “Rock Valley College's Starlight Theatre mourns loss of teen killed in Rockford school bus crash”
- rockfordnewsfirst.com, “Teen driver dies after crash involving school bus at Spring Creek and Welsh in Rockford”
- rockfordnewsfirst.com, “Winnebago Co. Coroner confirms identity of teen driver killed in Rockford school bus crash”
- mystateline.com, “Auburn High School identifies student killed in Rockford school bus crash”
Affected by an accident like this?
Here is what people in Illinois usually need, in the order it comes up.
Emergency care. Emergency rooms must check and stabilize you, even if you can't pay. The bill comes later.
Your vehicle. Tow yards usually charge for every day a towed vehicle sits there.
Crash report. The crash report is usually ready a few weeks after the crash, and you can still get it later.
Hospital bills. Most hospitals have a program that cuts bills for people with low income, and you can apply months after the first bill.
Insurance offer. You can turn down the insurer's first offer and ask for more.
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