November 07, 2024
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Man charged with reckless driving that led to death of woman in Shorewood

Woman was a pedestrian who was fatally struck by vehicle in 2020

By Felix Sarver
Sign for Will County Courthouse, 100 W. Jefferson St., Joliet.

Sign for Will County Courthouse, 100 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. (Felix Sarver)

A man has been charged with driving his vehicle recklessly and striking a pedestrian who died from her injuries in 2020.

On Thursday, a grand jury returned an indictment against Christian G. Rodriguez, 21, of Joliet on felony charges of aggravated use of an electronic communication device and reckless conduct.

Rodriguez had not been taken into custody as of Thursday afternoon, said Jason Barten, Shorewood deputy police chief.

The indictment alleged that Rodriguez drove a Chevrolet Malibu on June 4, 2020, on Black Road in Shorewood while using an electronic device and struck 66-year-old Joni Hilger. Barten said the device was a cellphone.

Rodriguez was charged with failing to keep a proper lookout as he drove and with keeping his attention away from the roadway “for an excessive time, causing his motor vehicle to strike” Hilger.

Barten said Rodriguez remained at the scene of the crash and police identified him as the driver. He said Hilger had been struck on Black Road near her residence.

“The injuries were significant enough for her to be pronounced deceased on-scene,” Barten said.

Hilger was a volunteer at Timbers of Shorewood, a senior independent living and assisted living rental retirement community. She also volunteered at the Shorewood-Troy Public Library.

Timbers of Shorewood volunteer Joni Hilger is seen with her niece Amy Larkin, who worked at The Timbers as a resident assistant for many years.

Timbers of Shorewood volunteer Joni Hilger is seen with her niece Amy Larkin, who worked at The Timbers as a resident assistant for many years. (Photo provided)

After her death, the Timbers of Shorewood created the Joni Hilger Volunteer of the Year Award in her honor.

On Sept. 16, 2020, Joni Hilger’s husband, Thomas Hilger, filed a wrongful death lawsuit that resulted in judgment of $2 million against Rodriguez, court records show.

Thomas Hilger filed an affidavit in the case that said his wife was an “active, energetic, giving and vibrant 66-year-old wife, mother of two and grandmother of six.”

The affidavit said Thomas Hilger’s wife suffered multiple fractures from the “violent impact of being thrown 7 to 10 feet.”

“We have suffered the loss of love, affection, care, companionship, comfort and guidance. We have also suffered grief, sorrow and mental suffering,” Thomas Hilger said.

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