Investigation continues into fatal crash

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Before deciding whether to prosecute, Lake County authorities are thoroughly investigating the recent traffic fatality involving a Morris nurse.

“It’s an unusual case, and we’re taking the time to make sure everything that should be done regarding the investigation will be done before we make a decision,” Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Waller noted today about the May 2 incident involving Lora Hunt, 48, of  Goose Lake Township.

Hunt was initially cited by Lake County Sheriff’s deputies with failure to reduce speed in the rear-end collision with the motorcycle that killed Anita S. Zaffke, 56, of Lake Zurich.

Hunt told deputies she was painting her nails as she drove, and did not see the Honda until the crash, the department’s report of the incident noted. The crash occurred at the traffic light where Zaffke was stopped at U.S. 12 and Old McHenry Road in Wauconda.

Waller said the traffic citation was dismissed Monday on his motion because the status of the case is pending investigation for more serious charges.

“We hope to conclude the investigation in two to three weeks,” he said. “We’re thoroughly investigating, interviewing witnesses, getting information from the Illinois Department of Transportation on roadway conditions and sequence of traffic lights, and involving an accident reconstructionist.

“Then we’ll look at the results, apply them to the law and make a decision on what the appropriate charges will be.”

Hunt, a registered nurse who was returning from visiting a daughter in Wisconsin, was driving a Chevy Impala when her vehicle struck the rear of the motorcycle. Both vehicles were southbound at the time.

Authorities said the crash propelled both vehicles, with Zaffke thrown about 200 feet. The traffic signal had changed from green to yellow at the time, according to the report of the accident.

Hunt’s attorney, Raga Freitag of Naperville, said today she had spoken earlier with Waller’s office about the traffic citation, and was told there was no reason for her to come to Lake County for the June 8 court hearing.

“Because they nolle prossed (dismissed) that charge,” she said.

“I had called his office because I wanted to advance the court arrangements,” she said. “Both (Hunt) and I had been receiving threatening phone calls.”

Freitag also planned to seek the postponement because of a call she received from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department about blood and urine results indicating amphetamine present in her system at the time.

“He wanted an explanation for the amphetamine in her system,” said Freitag. “He wanted her doctor’s letter for that, otherwise he would upgrade the traffic citation to driving under the influence.”

Freitag said Hunt’s doctor noted she had been on amphetamine since 2007.

“The doctor also put in the letter that, in her medical opinion, she could drive safely on this medication,” said Freitag.

Freitag did not know if the outcome of the investigation would result in more serious charges.
In the meantime, Hunt has the support of her family, friends and her church, said Freitag.