Police Say Medical Emergency Led to Fatal Crash
On February 15, 2025, at 2:55 p.m., Officers responded tothe area of West Jefferson Street near Barney Drive for a report of a single vehicle crash.
Upon arrival, Officers observed a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck which had struck a tree in the center median just to the west of the intersection. Officers learned from witnesses that the Toyota was eastbound on West Jefferson Street approaching Barney Drive when it slowly veered to the left into the median and struck the tree.
The male driver of the Toyota was transported to St Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department, where he was later pronounced deceased.
It is believed that the driver suffered a serious medical event just prior to the crash. The male driver was identified by the Will County Coroner’s Office as 59-year-old Manuel Salas of Joliet.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.