Sycamore couple killed in Saturday crash, sheriff’s officials say

SYCAMORE – A Sycamore couple was killed in a crash involving their SUV and a pickup truck early Saturday morning in unincorporated DeKalb County, sheriff’s officials say. The driver of the pickup was seriously injured, too.

According to a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office news release, deputies responded to a call at 12:30 a.m. Saturday on Peace Road, south of Freed Road, for a crash with injuries.

Police said a northbound 2017 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by Chynna L. Daugherty, 30, of the 500 block of Central Avenue in Genoa, crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2017 Dodge Journey driven by Christopher M. Henning, 49, and accompanied by passenger Amanda B. Henning, 46, both of Sycamore.

“Christopher Henning was pronounced deceased on the scene and Amanda was transported to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased,” the sheriff’s release states.

Daugherty also was transported to Kishwaukee Hospital and later transferred to OSF St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford via life flight helicopter “in serious but stable condition.”

“At this time, Daugherty has been charged with improper lane usage and [driving under the influence],” the sheriff’s release states. “However, further charges are pending.”

DeKalb County Sheriff Chief Deputy Jim Burgh said Saturday the Hennings were married and lived in Sycamore.

Burgh said sheriff’s officials believe Daugherty was driving under the influence of alcohol. He said Daugherty remains at the Rockford hospital and has not been taken to jail as of 2:15 p.m. Saturday.

“We believe that the cause of the crash is impairment and we are looking at more possible charges,” Burgh said.

Burgh said roads have since been re-opened following the crash.

The case remains under investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, DeKalb County Coroner’s Office and the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office, according to the release.