Diego Nava Torres, Samantha Ortiz Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the names of the two people who tragically lost their lives in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 88 near Mitchell Road in North Aurora on Saturday evening. According to information from the Kane County Coroner’s Office, the victims were identified as 32-year-old Diego Nava Torres and 33-year-old Samantha Ortiz, both residents of Chicago. Officials confirmed that the collision took place along the westbound lanes of I-88, near milepost 118, shortly after 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 25.
Emergency responders, including Illinois State Police (ISP), North Aurora Police, and local fire personnel, arrived at the scene within minutes of the crash being reported. Unfortunately, both occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene despite the rapid response.
Authorities have not yet released specific details about what led to the crash, though investigators said that it involved two vehicles traveling westbound at the time. The section of the interstate was temporarily shut down to allow officers and crash reconstruction experts to carefully document the area, gather evidence, and clear the roadway of debris. Two lanes were closed during the investigation but have since been reopened, allowing normal traffic flow to resume.
The Illinois State Police confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the incident remains ongoing. Troopers are reviewing vehicle positions, roadway markings, and possible mechanical or environmental factors to determine how the crash occurred. Officials have not released information on whether weather, speed, or driver impairment may have been contributing factors, noting that it is still too early in the investigation to draw conclusions.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office will conduct additional testing as part of their standard protocol in all fatal crash cases. Once results are complete, they will share their findings with investigators to help establish a clearer picture of the events that unfolded prior to the impact.
Local motorists reported heavy traffic delays along the interstate for several hours as crews worked to process the scene. The incident drew significant attention from travelers, many of whom expressed concern and sympathy for those involved. Police encouraged drivers passing through the area to remain patient and avoid distractions while driving, particularly at night when visibility can be reduced.
Friends and community members of the victims have taken to social media to share messages of condolence and remembrance for Torres and Ortiz. Both were described as caring individuals with strong ties to their Chicago community. Neighbors and loved ones said they are devastated by the news and are keeping the families of the two victims in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from that stretch of I-88 around 8 p.m. to contact the Illinois State Police. Witness accounts and video evidence could assist investigators in piecing together the moments leading up to the crash.
As of Monday, officials had not confirmed whether any other individuals were injured in the incident. No charges have been filed, and police said the findings of the ongoing investigation will determine if any further action is needed.
Tragic incidents like this, officials say, serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly roadway conditions and human decisions can change lives. Law enforcement agencies across Illinois continue to stress the importance of safe driving habits, particularly along major interstates where speed and traffic volume can increase the likelihood of serious collisions.
The Illinois State Police and the Kane County Coroner’s Office are expected to release more information once their investigation concludes. In the meantime, the families of both victims are being offered support from local resources and community outreach groups.
