A 65-year-old woman, identified as Laurie Jensen of Mount Prospect, lost her life Saturday morning when a southbound mail truck from the United States Postal Service drifted into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with her car on Mannheim Road in Des Plaines, Illinois — a crash that has left one family mourning and another driver facing charges.
The crash unfolded just after 10:00 a.m. on the 1700 block of Mannheim Road, when the USPS truck — a 2022 Mercedes-Benz — veered across center lines into the northbound lanes. The truck struck a 2005 Chrysler Sebring carrying Jensen. Authorities say the postal-service driver, Leonard Moore, 48, later told police he “temporarily lost control” of the vehicle, leading to the deadly impact.
First responders rushed both drivers to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Jensen succumbed to her injuries; Moore was treated and survived.
Law enforcement issued Moore a citation for improper lane usage. He’s scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 16 at the Skokie Courthouse. Meanwhile, the crash remains under investigation.
Neighbors and local residents say the collision has shaken the community. For many, driving along Mannheim Road — often busy with commuter traffic — never felt more routine — or more fragile. One local described the morning’s air as “heavy and silent,” reflecting a sense of shock and sorrow over the sudden loss of life.
For Laurie Jensen’s family and friends, Saturday began like any other morning. By afternoon, it ended with grief and unanswered questions. For local travelers, it’s a stark reminder how quickly a simple drift across lanes can turn into a fatal moment.
As winter sets in and road conditions tighten, residents and officials alike say this tragic crash underscores the importance of vigilance — especially when behind the wheel of large vehicles like postal trucks.
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