Benjamin Oberto dies in fatal Rosemont car crash
Fatal Rosemont car crash death of Benjamin Oberto – Obituary
Benjamin Oberto, a 45-year-old father of two from New Berlin, Wisconsin, was found deceased in his vehicle on November 15, 2024, after a tragic accident following his disappearance two days earlier from Crystal Lake. The crash occurred off an interstate ramp in Rosemont, Illinois, where his vehicle was discovered overturned and partially submerged in a creek.
Oberto had been reported missing on November 14 after leaving 1776 Restaurant in Crystal Lake the night before. He was believed to have been headed back to New Berlin. Authorities found his Subaru Impreza, which had gone off the eastbound ramp of Interstate 90 onto northbound I-294, where it crashed into the creek. Divers located Oberto’s body inside the car.
Initially, the cause and manner of death were under investigation, but after a thorough examination, the Cook County Medical Examiner determined that Oberto had drowned due to his car entering the water, and the death was classified as accidental.
In a heart-wrenching statement, Oberto’s wife, Laura Leatherberry, expressed her devastation, stating that the last few days of searching for her husband had been unbearable. She thanked the community for their overwhelming support during this challenging time. She described her late husband as a loving father, a devoted son, and a cherished friend, emphasizing the immense loss his passing represents.
Leatherberry also learned that the location where Oberto was found had seen similar accidents in the past. In light of this, she reached out to state and federal officials, urging them to install a guardrail and improved signage at the dangerous curve on the ramp where her husband’s crash occurred. Her request was motivated by a desire to prevent future tragedies at this location, as records show that at least six other vehicles have crashed at the same spot in recent years.
While the Illinois Tollway agency had previously rejected safety improvements for the area, Leatherberry remains committed to advocating for change, hoping that her husband’s tragic death will lead to measures that could save lives in the future.