Aurora Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Deadly DUI Crash

Joshua Crye pleaded guilty to killing Naperville teacher Nicole Dickerson in a 2023 drunk driving incident.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:31pm

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A DuPage County judge sentenced 34-year-old Joshua Crye to nine years in prison for a 2023 drunk-driving crash on Eola Road in Aurora that killed 48-year-old teacher Nicole Dickerson. Crye entered a blind guilty plea in August 2025 to one count of aggravated DUI causing death, a Class 2 felony.

Why it matters

DUI crashes are a major public safety concern, with prosecutors calling this incident entirely preventable. The case highlights the devastating impact drunk driving can have on families and communities.

The details

Authorities say Crye was driving a Ford Escape south on Eola Road when he crossed a raised center median and slammed into a northbound vehicle driven by Dickerson, triggering a three-vehicle crash. Investigators estimated Crye's speed at roughly 85 mph and later determined his blood-alcohol concentration was 0.183, more than twice the legal limit.

  • The collision happened around 8:52 p.m. on April 6, 2023.
  • Crye entered a blind guilty plea on Aug. 5, 2025.
  • Crye was sentenced on Monday, January 27, 2026.

The players

Joshua Crye

A 34-year-old Aurora man who pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI causing death for a 2023 crash that killed a Naperville teacher.

Nicole Dickerson

A 48-year-old fourth-grade teacher at Welch Elementary School in Naperville who was killed in the 2023 crash.

Robert Berlin

The DuPage County State's Attorney who called the deadly crash entirely preventable.

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What they’re saying

“DUI crashes are not accidents and are 100% avoidable.”

— Robert Berlin, DuPage County State's Attorney (FOX 32 Chicago)

What’s next

Unless Crye's defense team files post-sentencing motions or an appeal, the nine-year sentence will move forward in the state correctional system.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the importance of addressing this public safety issue through strict enforcement, education, and community support for those struggling with substance abuse.