Fatal Southwestern Illinois Crash Prompts Lawsuit

The estate of a 71-year-old southwestern Illinois man killed in a traffic wreck is accusing the other driver of causing the crash while texting and being under the influence of marijuana and other substances.

The Madison County lawsuit by Louis Johnson’s estate alleges that 27-year-old Ranada Ridenhour of Wood River was impaired when her car hit Johnson’s vehicle from behind Nov. 21.

Johnson’s car then was hit by a truck. The Godfrey man later died at a hospital.

The (Alton) Telegraph reports that Ridenhour was ticketed for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident. She failed to appear in court and was fined $250. No other charges have been filed.

Ridenhour’s home telephone has been disconnected. It isn’t clear if she has an attorney.