Manhattan Woman, 24, ID'd As Driver Killed In Crash With School Bus: Coroner

MANHATTAN, IL — A 24-year-old Manhattan woman has been identified as the driver killed in a head-on crash involving a school bus Thursday morning in Manhattan, the Will County Coroner's Office said Friday.

At approximately 8:25 a.m., the Manhattan Fire Protection District responded to a traffic crash involving a school bus transporting Manhattan School District 114 students and a Chevrolet Malibu near the intersection of Manhattan-Monee Road and Kankakee Street.

Illinois State Police is investigating the crash, and according to reports, the Malibu was traveling eastbound on Manhattan-Monee Road, when for an unknown reason, it crossed the boundary line and struck the front of the bus that was traveling westbound. The bus then struck the car's passenger side, and the Malibu then rolled over. Both vehicles came to rest in a ditch, state police said.

The bus was transporting 10 students and a driver. All students were evaluated at the scene; no major injuries were reported. Due to the severity of the accident, all children and the bus driver were taken to area hospitals for evaluation for precautionary measures.

The driver of the Malibu, identified as Makenna M. Maurisak, was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:35 a.m, the Will County Coroner's Office confirmed Friday.

Troopers reported snow and icy conditions at the scene, however, the exact cause of the crash remains unknown as of Friday afternoon, state police said. The crash investigation is ongoing.

Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen late Thursday issued a statement to the community. The latest fatal crash is one of several in or near Manhattan in a span of just months.

In October 2025, 13-year-old Chance Hunnicutt was fatally struck by a semi while riding his bike in downtown Manhattan. Hunnicutt died just days after 11-year-old Danny Bayles, who suffered a suffered a pulmonary embolism following an asthma attack, family told Patch. Both were students at Manhattan District 114's Manhattan Jr. High.

In December, a head-on crash in nearby Elwood claimed the lives of Elwood man Joshua Villalobos, 35, and Diane Hopkins, 64, of Ohio. Two others were injured. Initial investigation indicates Villalobos was driving westbound on Manhattan Road, just west of Cherry Hill Road, when his vehicle entered oncoming traffic in the eastbound lane, striking the second vehicle head-on.

Just more than a week later, 32-year-old Manhattan woman Victoria Stanek died in a single vehicle rollover crash at Route 45 and Steger Road near Frankfort.

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"This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the driver who lost their life this morning," Adrieansen said. "Any loss of life on our roads is unacceptable. These recent fatal crashes have occurred on roads maintained by the State of Illinois through IDOT, and the Village has consistently pressed the state to address residents’ safety concerns, including meeting directly with state officials and IDOT on November 25, 2025. Following that meeting, traffic safety changes were implemented on state-maintained roads, and we will continue advocating for additional improvements to help prevent future tragedies."

Manhattan District 114 Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne said the district will provide support to students and staff impacted.

“Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this tragic incident,” said Superintendent Dr. Damien
Aherne Thursday. “We are grateful for the swift response of our first responders and our school staff, whose priority was ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. We will continue to
provide support to our students and their families during this difficult time.”