Sheriff's deputy killed when truck rear-ends squad car in Chicago's far west suburbs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A DeKalb County Sheriff's deputy was killed in a crash with a large commercial truck overnight, leaving a community in mourning.
Thirty-five-year-old Christina Musil was a five-year sheriff's office veteran and served in the Army National Guard as a military police officer for four years, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2008-2009.
Her story is touching even those who have never met her.
People said they heard about what happened and wanted to show their support as a memorial grows as people bring flowers.
Illinois State Police are handling the investigation and said Deputy Musil was sitting inside her Ford Explorer squad car, parked on the right shoulder of Illinois Route 23 near Perry Road in Waterman, about 60 miles west of Chicago, when a large commercial truck ran off the roadway and rear-ended the squad car.
Though Musil was helicoptered to the hospital, she died as a result of her injuries.
People who stopped by said the makeshift memorial can show her family -- and her department -- how much they support her.
Neighbors close to the accident site hope it will inspire change on what has been a dangerous stretch of road.
"I sure hope so. I sure hope someone really pays attention," said Sue Russell.
"You can't have too much love. Or too much care. Especially when you lose somebody like this. And at 35. You know, it's just horrible. Just horrible. I feel really bad for her family," said Bonnie Roliardia, who brought flowers to the memorial.
The driver who hit Musil was taken into custody. That driver works for a company based out of Terre Haute, Indiana.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
