Freemont Township Trustee Injured In Scooter Crash Has Died

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — A 65-year-old woman who was impaled by a railroad tie after falling off her scooter last week near Mundelein has died, Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper said.

Patricia Stejskal, a member of the Freemont Township Board of Trustees, died on Friday at Advocate Condell Medical Center. Her cause of death was craniocerebral trauma caused by a railroad spike that went into her head after she fell from the 2009 Motofino scooter she was driving, according to authorities.

The incident occurred at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday after Stejskal drove slightly off the pavement while leaving a parking lot in the 26000 block of North Route 83 in unincorporated Mundelein. Stejskal was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center with critical injuries and was pronounced dead on Friday. Authorities say Stejskal's head struck a railroad tie that was being used as a barrier between the grass and the parking lot.

• Woman In 'Grave Condition' After Scooter Crash: Police

It's not clear why her scooter left the pavement prior to the collision, according to police.

Stejskal, a longtime volunteer, spent time in Taiwan as a missionary and also worked for the American Red Cross for 19 years. She finished her career at McHenry County College, recently retiring in May, according to her obituary.

She is being remembered for her "infectious smile" and positive attitude.

"She was so positive and supportive of helping our residents and community. Her smile was infectious. Her passing is a tremendous loss to us," according to a post on the Fremont Township Facebook page.

Stejskal's organs will be donated, and the Lake County Coroner's Office is working with Gift of Hope to find donor matches, Cooper said.

A memorial service for Stejskal will be held at Gracepointe Church, 1221 W. Maple Avenue in Mundelein, at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 22. The service will be held outside and attendees are asked to wear a mask and bring a lawn chair.