FedEx Driver Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Mundelein Woman

Lawsuit filed against FedEx, driver for April 2025 crash in Gurnee

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:15pm

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The estate of a 33-year-old Mundelein woman, Amber Knowles, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against FedEx, its delivery contractor Pipes Delivery Corporation, and the driver, Javier R. Contreras-Bulnes, for a fatal hit-and-run crash in Gurnee, Illinois in April 2025. The lawsuit alleges Contreras-Bulnes was distracted by his cell phone when he struck and killed Knowles as she was crossing the street, then fled the scene.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of distracted driving and the devastating consequences it can have. The lawsuit seeks accountability and compensation for Knowles' family, while the criminal charges against the driver aim to bring justice. The case also raises questions about corporate responsibility when contractors are involved in fatal crashes.

The details

According to the lawsuit, on April 2, 2025, Knowles was crossing the street south of the intersection of Delany Road and Sunset Avenue in Gurnee when she was struck and killed by a FedEx truck driven by Contreras-Bulnes. Contreras-Bulnes allegedly fled the scene but later approached police 46 minutes after the crash. Investigators determined distracted driving, specifically Contreras-Bulnes using his cell phone, was a significant factor in the fatal collision. Contreras-Bulnes has been charged with two felony counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving death and one felony count of aggravated use of an electronic communication device causing death.

  • On April 2, 2025, Amber Knowles was fatally struck by a FedEx truck in Gurnee, Illinois.
  • Two days after the crash, a vigil was held for Knowles near the scene.
  • On January 12, 2026, Javier R. Contreras-Bulnes was charged in the incident.

The players

Amber Knowles

A 33-year-old woman from Mundelein, Illinois who was killed in the hit-and-run crash.

Javier R. Contreras-Bulnes

The 27-year-old Gurnee resident who was driving the FedEx truck that struck and killed Amber Knowles, and then fled the scene before later contacting police.

Federal Express (FedEx)

The shipping and logistics company whose truck was involved in the fatal crash.

Pipes Delivery Corporation

The Illinois corporation that delivers packages with FedEx logos, licensing and markings, and is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“This case represents a heartbreaking loss for the victim's family and loved ones. While nothing can undo their pain, we hope these charges bring a sense of resolution and accountability. Our officers and investigators worked tirelessly to ensure this case was thoroughly investigated and that justice could be pursued.”

— Jeremy Gaughan, Gurnee Police Chief

“This incident serves as a difficult reminder of how dangerous distracted driving can be. A brief glance at a phone can change lives forever. We continue to urge drivers to put their phones down and give their full attention to the road.”

— Jeremy Gaughan, Gurnee Police Chief

What’s next

The Lake County State's Attorney's Office did not file a petition to detain Contreras-Bulnes pending trial. He is due back in court on March 6. Prosecutors said they took his lack of a criminal background into consideration when deciding not to seek detention.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of distracted driving and the need for stronger accountability, both for individual drivers and the companies they work for. It serves as a sobering reminder for all motorists to keep their full attention on the road and avoid the temptation of cell phone use while driving.