Fatal Crash in Crete, Illinois: Chicago Man Joshua Kutz Killed by Impaired Semi-Truck Driver

On April 16, 2025, a devastating accident claimed the life of Joshua Kutz, a 40-year-old resident of Chicago, in suburban Crete, Illinois. According to the Illinois State Police, the fatal collision occurred near the intersection of Illinois 394 and Burrville Road when a semi-truck, driven by 58-year-old William Fanning of California, made a perilous left turn directly into the path of Kutz’s sedan. The sedan struck the underside of the trailer, sustaining severe roof damage before coming to a stop further down the road. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Kutz succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead, marking a tragic loss that has reverberated through the community.

Authorities have charged Fanning with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence of drugs causing death, alleging that he had consumed methamphetamine prior to operating the vehicle. Currently held pretrial, Fanning awaits his initial court appearance, the date of which remains undisclosed.