HINSDALE | Suburban Parents of Five Children Killed in LaGrange Car Crash, Brett and Melissa Lane

Photo / St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church 

The Hinsdale Community is Grieving the Loss of Brett and Melissa Lane Who Were Killed Tragically in a Suburban Car Crash

HINSDALE–A devastating accident has shaken the west suburban Chicago community. Brett and Melissa Lane, beloved Hinsdale residents and parents to five children, tragically lost their lives in a horrific car crash Friday afternoon.

The tragedy unfolded when the Lane family's car collided with a speeding SUV at a major intersection Willow Springs Road and 47th Street. Local authorities and investigators have since revealed that the other car was reportedly speeding, leading to the catastrophic collision. Emergency responders were on the scene within minutes, but unfortunately, Brett and Melissa Lane lost their lives.

The Lanes were well-known and adored within the Hinsdale community. Brett Lane worked in engineering as Chief Technological Officer at Panduit Corp, admired for his dedication and professionalism, while Melissa Lane was deeply involved with neighborhood schools and local charities. Together, they built a strong legacy of giving back to Hinsdale and surrounding suburban areas, enriching the lives of others while creating a loving home for their five children.

Brett and Melissa Lane of Hinsdale

Hinsdale Community Comes Together to Support the Family of Brett and Melissa Lane Who Were Killed in a Car Crash

Community members in Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, and the wider west suburban Chicago area are coming together in the wake of this loss to support the grieving Lane family.

"Brett and Melissa Lane were pillars of their community," the obituary said. "Strong, fearless role models that touched the hearts of many. Brett had an infectious spirit, a love of innovation, and an unwavering work ethic. Melissa was a positive beacon of life and hope, always lifting up those around her."

Donations can be made to a memorial fund in the victims' names through their church and/or to Feed My Starving Children, the obituary shared.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say they have not ruled out the possibility that a medical emergency played a role in the conduct of the SUV’s driver. As a result, the driver’s identity has not yet been released and won’t be pending further investigation into the incident. In addition to the two deceased victims, several others were hospitalized, according to police. 7 cars were involved in this accident.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to call La Grange police at 708-579-2333.