DUI Driver Learns Sentence In Fatal 2023 Crash In Aurora: DuPage State's Attorney

AURORA, IL — An Aurora man was sentenced to nine years in prison in connection with a fatal crash in spring 2023, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin announced Monday.

Prosecutors said Joshua Crye, 34, was driving drunk on April 6, 2023, when he collided with two cars on Eola Road in Aurora, leading to the death of Nicole Dickerson.

Crye, of the 1800 block of Westfield Drive, entered a blind plea on Aug. 5, 2025, pleading guilty to one count of aggravated driving under the influence causing death. He appeared Monday morning before Judge Ann Celine O'Hallaren Walsh to learn his sentence. State prosecutors had argued for the maximum allowable sentence of 14 years.

At about 8:52 p.m. that Thursday nearly three years ago, Crye was driving about 85 mph on southbound Eola Road when he crossed the center median and crashed into an oncoming car, driven by Dickerson, officials said. The force of the collision caused the cars to crash into another northbound vehicle.

RELATED: Woman Dies Days After Eola Road 3-Car Crash: Aurora Police

All occupants of the three cars were taken to a local hospital. Dickerson died four days later as a result of the injuries she sustained in the crash, according to the Aurora Police Department's investigation.

At the time of the crash, Crye's blood alcohol content was 0.183, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08, authorities said.

Crye was taken into custody without incident on June 12, 2023. His bond was set at $2 million, with 10 percent to apply, in accordance with the warrant previously issued for his arrest. He remained in custody since.

RELATED: $2M Bail Set For Aurora Man After Fatal DUI Crash: State's Attorney

Crye will be required to serve 85 percent of his nine-year sentence before he is eligible for parole.

"DUI crashes are not accidents," Berlin said in a statement. "These crashes, which are 100 percent avoidable, are the result of a bad decision made by an intoxicated individual, in this case, Joshua Crye. That bad decision however, not only cost Nicole Dickerson her life and her family their loving wife and mother, but also impacted an entire community.

He continued: "I wish Nicole's family and friends strength as they continue their lives with just their memories of the love and support Nicole once provided. I urge everyone to please be responsible if you have been drinking or are otherwise intoxicated. When it is time to go home, do the right thing and call a cab, a ride-sharing service or a friend for a ride instead of thinking you are fine to drive."