Woman charged in Sunday’s fatal Westmont head-on collision

A Blue Island woman has been charged in Sunday’s fatal head-on crash that claimed the life of 70-year-old Downers Grove man.

Alyz Segura, 27, of 120 block of Elm Drive, was charged with one count of aggravated DUI causing death, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to 14 years in prison, according to a DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office news release.

An investigation into the crash revealed that Segura allegedly had a blood alcohol concentration of .16, twice above the legal limit of 0.08, and had cocaine and cannabis in her system, the release stated. Bond was set at $500,000 Segura on Monday.

It is alleged that at approximately 6:10 a.m. Sunday, Segura was driving her Ford Explorer westbound on Chicago Avenue in Westmont at a high rate of speed when she allegedly crossed the double yellow line and crashed head-on into a Mercury sedan driven by Robert Strobl.

The force of the collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles. A witness heard the crash and called 911. Another witness who heard the crash ran toward the scene and attempted to help Segura from her car. The witness was unable to open the driver’s side door but was able to open the rear passenger side door where Segura and her passenger exited the vehicle, according to the release. When the witness opened the rear passenger door, she saw and smelled smoke that smelled and tasted like marijuana, the release stated.

Paramedics performed lifesaving efforts on Strobl, who was suffering from severe injuries due to the crash, but they were unable to save him. Segura was transported to a local hospital and treated for her injuries and was taken into custody at the hospital.

“Once again we see the tragic consequences of an alleged drunk driver,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement. “Alyz Segura’s decision to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol, with cocaine and marijuana in her system cost a completely innocent motorist his life.

“Drunk driving crashes are 100% avoidable. The next time you or someone you know is considering getting behind the wheel of their car after they have been drinking, search the Internet for images of the consequences of drunk driving and ask yourself ‘is this how I want to end the evening or possibly my life?’ Our condolences go out to Mr. Strobl’s family and friends who are now grieving their loss.”

Segura’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 27.