Tragic Car Crash Claims Life of Beloved Wisconsin Man, Benjamin Oberto, Sparking Calls for Safety Improvements on Notorious Highway Ramp
In a devastating incident that has left a community reeling, Benjamin Oberto, a 45-year-old Wisconsin man, lost his life in a car crash on a dangerous highway ramp in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The tragic event has prompted widespread outpouring of grief and raised pressing concerns about road safety, leading to renewed calls for improvements to the hazardous stretch of road.
On the fateful night of November 13, Oberto had been dining at 1776 Restaurant in Crystal Lake before embarking on his journey home to New Berlin, Wisconsin. Tragically, he never arrived. His Subaru Impreza was discovered partially submerged in a creek at the bottom of an embankment on the Interstate 90 eastbound ramp to Interstate 294 northbound. Divers found Oberto’s body inside the vehicle, and authorities confirmed that the crash occurred on a curve along the ramp, a location with a history of similar incidents.
The news of Oberto’s passing sent shockwaves through his community, with friends, family, and colleagues struggling to come to terms with the loss. He was a beloved figure, known for his warmth, kindness, and passion for the wine industry. His absence has left a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
As the investigation into the crash continues, attention has turned to the safety record of the highway ramp where Oberto lost his life. The curve where the accident occurred has been identified as a particularly hazardous stretch of road, with multiple incidents reported in the past. The lack of adequate protections, such as guardrails, has been cited as a contributing factor in these crashes.
In response to Oberto’s tragic death, his widow, Laura Leatherberry, has launched a campaign to improve safety on the notorious highway ramp. She has researched other accidents that occurred in the same area and reached out to state and federal officials to push for safety improvements. Leatherberry believes that installing guardrails and better signage to warn drivers of the sharp curve could prevent future tragedies.
While the exact circumstances of Oberto’s crash are still under investigation, the incident has highlighted the need for urgent action to address the safety concerns on this stretch of road. Leatherberry’s advocacy has brought the issue into the spotlight, underscoring the importance of infrastructure improvements to enhance road safety.
