Elmhurst Fatal Traffic Crash: Driver Charged With Reckless Homicide

ELMHURST, IL — The driver involved in a fatal traffic crash in August has been charged with reckless homicide. Elmhurst Police charged Wayne Veldman, 63, of Downers Grove, and Veldman surrendered himself on Thursday at the DuPage County Judicial Center, police said.

According to police, Veldman was involved in a traffic crash at 2:15 p.m. on Aug. 10, on westbound Roosevelt Road, west of York Street. Two vehicles were involved in the crash, Veldman's and William Bartolucci, 69, of Lombard. Bartolucci was critically injured in the crash, he was extricated from his vehicle and transported to Elmhurst Hospital, police said. Bartolucci later succumbed to his injuries from the crash on Sept. 9 at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood.

Elmhurst Police conducted an investigation with the assistance of the DuPage County Accident Reconstruction Team and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. Police said the investigation revealed Veldman was operating his vehicle at a high rate of speed when he collided with Bartolucci’s vehicle, causing Bartolucci’s vehicle to leave the roadway and roll over.

Veldman posted bond on the charges, and was released pending his next court date.

Photo provided by Elmhurst Police Department.