Family of Woman Struck by Semi Sues Driver, Trucking Company

The family of a Frankfort woman fatally struck by a semi truck while investigating a possible flat tire on the shoulder of the Tri-State Tollway Feb. 15 near south suburban Midlothian filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the truck driver and trucking company Monday.

Stacey Lynn McHale, 36, was driving a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina south on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) when she stopped on the shoulder, exited the car and was struck by a semi truck driven by Russell A. Kleppe about 11:55 p.m. Feb. 15, according to a suit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.

McHale, of 7663 Jamison Dr. in Frankfort, was pronounced dead on the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. An autopsy determined McHale died of multiple injuries from a semi striking her and the death was ruled an accident.

State police said McHale pulled over to investigate a possible flat tire or another vehicle problem when she was struck.

Her husband Steven McHale filed the two-count wrongful death suit against Kleppe and W.D. Trucking, Inc., claiming the truck Kleppe was driving fatally struck Stacey Lynn McHale because he did not keep a proper lookout, drove too fast, did not stay in his lane or change lanes, and failed to sound the horn. The suit also claims the truck was in disrepair and was improperly maintained

Kleppe was ticketed for equipment violations but nothing related to the accident, state police said.

The suit is seeking judgment against Kleppe and the trucking company.

Nobody else was in the car and no other injuries were reported, state police said.