Suburban Chicago Man Held Without Release After Fatal DUI Crash in Lombard That Killed 35-Year-Old Woman
A suburban Chicago man will remain in custody without pretrial release following a deadly DUI crash in Lombard that claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman and left another passenger seriously injured, according to prosecutors in DuPage County.
Authorities say Dwayne Rushing, 48, of South Elgin, is facing serious felony charges after allegedly driving under the influence and causing a violent multi-vehicle crash on the evening of May 10 near the 2700 block of South Highland Avenue.
Prosecutors allege the crash occurred just before 5:30 p.m. when Rushing was driving southbound and rear-ended a Toyota. Instead of stopping safely, investigators say he drove around the vehicle, crossed a grassy median, and struck a black Subaru Outback that had been stopped at a plaza exit near Butterfield Road.
Inside the Subaru was Laura O’Keefe, 35, who suffered catastrophic brain injuries and was placed on life support following emergency surgery. Despite medical efforts, she died two days later on May 12. A passenger in her vehicle also sustained severe injuries and remains hospitalized in intensive care.
Lombard police reported significant damage at the scene, noting that both the Subaru and a gray Volvo involved in the crash sustained major front-end impact. Officers also stated that all individuals involved were transported to local hospitals for emergency treatment.
According to prosecutors, signs of intoxication were immediately apparent when officers arrived. Authorities say Rushing showed bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and an unsteady stance, along with a strong odor of alcohol. Investigators also reported finding an open alcoholic container inside his vehicle.
A subsequent blood test allegedly showed Rushing had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.116 at the time of the crash, above the legal limit in Illinois.
The charges filed against him include aggravated driving under the influence causing death, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm, a Class 4 felony. If convicted, he could face significant prison time under Illinois state law.
On Wednesday, a judge granted prosecutors’ request to deny pretrial release, meaning Dwayne Rushing will remain in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for June 8.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin strongly condemned the alleged actions, calling the incident “100% avoidable” and emphasizing the dangers of impaired driving, particularly during a busy holiday weekend when many families were out celebrating.
Officials say the crash took place near the Yorktown Mall area during peak evening hours, heightening concerns about public safety and the risks posed by impaired drivers on heavily trafficked roads.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the crash, while the community mourns the loss of Laura O’Keefe and supports the recovery of the surviving victim.
As the case proceeds through the DuPage County court system, prosecutors say they will continue to pursue accountability in what they describe as a preventable tragedy involving alleged drunk driving.