3 critical after 2 head-on accidents

3 people are receiving critical care after 2 head on collisions, both late Friday morning.

16-year old Katelyn Ortiz crossed the centerline on East 29th road late near Seneca. She hit a semi driven by Edward Henkel of Sublette. Ortiz is in Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.
At about the same time on Route 52, not far from Mendota, Bennie Sumner of Mendota crossed the centerline and  struck the car of  Cyril Ward of Amboy.   Sumner was flown to St. Anthony’s in Rockford where he is still in critical condition. Cyril Ward is also in critical condition at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Four year old Brayden Ward is no longer hospitalized at Mendota Community Hospital.

Lee County Sheriff investigators don’t think speed or alcohol are factors, but, they are looking closely at cell phone usage.