Attorney Says Driver Ran Red Light In Accident That Killed Naperville Woman and Dog

Caption: Emily S. Driscoll, 22, of Naperville.

The attorney for the family of the young Naperville woman who was killed in a pedestrian accident on Nov. 9, alleges that a preliminary investigation conducted by his law firm reveals that the driver may have run a red light.

Emily Driscoll, 22, was crossing the Rickert Drive and Book Road intersection with her dog when they were both struck by a car driven by Kenneth E. Holmberg, 74, of Plainfield, last Sunday evening, Naperville police said.

The young woman and her dog, a Greyhound rescue named Quincy, were both killed as a result of the crash.

No citations have been issued against the driver and the investigation remains ongoing, Sgt. Bill Davis said.

Driscoll’s family has retained the services of LaGrange attorney G. Grant Dixon III. An estate was opened on Emily’s behalf as the first step toward possible legal action against the driver.

“We haven’t filed suit yet until we know what happened,” Dixon said. “Opening an estate on behalf of Emily allows us to do a more detailed investigation.”

According to Naperville police, Driscoll was walking north on Book Road and Holmberg was traveling east on Rickert at the time of the accident.

Dixon claimed Driscoll and her dog were both halfway through the crosswalk when they were struck. There were no red light cameras at the intersection, which is located in a mixed-use neighborhood of parks, office buildings and residences.

“We have indication at the scene that the driver ran a red light,” Dixon claimed. “We are speaking to witnesses of the occurrence.”

Although the accident happened after dark Dixon said that the area was well lit, including the intersection.

“One of the things surprising to me is that weren’t any skid marks at the scene,” the attorney said. “It indicates that [the driver] was not looking where he was going and that causes a great deal of concern.”

Will County court records indicate that Holmberg was cited for speeding 30 m.p.h. above the posted speed limit in 2006, and disregarding a traffic control device, operating an uninsured vehicle and speeding 1-10 mph over the posted limit, all in 1998.

A person of the same name at Holmberg’s Plainfield address was also named in a lawsuit and counter lawsuit involving an accident in 2001.

For now, Driscoll’s family just wants to see some small measure of good come out of the tragedy.

“The family certainly hopes that all the attention surrounding their daughter’s tragic death will make other drivers be more aware of the road and not be distracted,” Dixon said.

Funeral services were held for Emily Driscoll on Nov. 13.

Correction: The age of the driver was corrected.