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Stoughton Today
By the People, for the People
Couple Killed in Head-On Crash with Semi-Truck in Wadsworth
Family raising money for funeral expenses after tragic accident on Route 173
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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A man and a woman, who were partners, were killed when their car collided head-on with a semi-truck on Route 173 in Wadsworth, Illinois last week. The family of the victims is now raising money for their funeral expenses.
Why it matters
This tragic accident highlights the dangers of distracted or impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have. It also underscores the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to remain vigilant, especially on highways with high-speed traffic.
The details
According to authorities, Kelly Wooten, 51, of Stoughton, Wisconsin, was driving a 2009 Acura sedan eastbound on Route 173 when he drifted out of his lane and crashed head-on into a westbound semi-truck. Wooten's passenger, Jacklyn Bradley, 45, also of Stoughton, Wisconsin, was killed in the collision. The semi-truck driver was not injured. A Honda minivan that was also traveling eastbound crashed into the Acura after the initial impact, injuring the driver, a 54-year-old woman from Salem, Wisconsin.
- The crash occurred around 7:50 a.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2026.
- Route 173 was shut down for several hours between Route 41 and North Kilbourne Road while investigators conducted a reconstruction and investigation.
The players
Kelly Wooten
A 51-year-old man from Stoughton, Wisconsin who was driving the Acura sedan involved in the crash.
Jacklyn Bradley
A 45-year-old woman from Stoughton, Wisconsin who was the passenger in the Acura sedan.
Ritamay Wooten
Kelly Wooten's sister, who is raising money for his funeral expenses.
Freightliner Semi-Truck Driver
A 25-year-old man from Evergreen Park who was driving the semi-truck involved in the crash.
Honda Minivan Driver
A 54-year-old woman from Salem, Wisconsin who was driving the minivan that crashed into the Acura after the initial impact.
What they’re saying
“I miss my brother already and I can't believe he's gone. It hurts so bad.”
— Ritamay Wooten, Kelly Wooten's sister (lakemchenryscanner.com)
“Went into oncoming traffic at the wrong time in front of the semi. Said it was the craziest thing he's ever seen.”
— A man on Facebook (Facebook)
What’s next
The Lake County Sheriff's Office Technical Crash Investigations Team is continuing to investigate the crash.
The takeaway
This tragic accident underscores the importance of safe driving practices and the devastating consequences that can result from even a momentary lapse in attention or judgment behind the wheel. It serves as a somber reminder for all drivers to remain vigilant and focused on the road, especially on high-speed highways.
