In Loving Memory of Araceli Zepeda Gone Too Soon, Forever in Our Hearts
It is with heavy hearts that the community of Rochelle and the greater Winnebago County area mourns the tragic loss of 27-year-old Araceli Zepeda, whose life was cut short following a devastating crash on Interstate 88 in Lee County on Monday morning.
According to authorities, just before 9:30 a.m., Araceli was a passenger in a vehicle traveling westbound on I-88 when the driver collided with another car, veered off the roadway, and struck a tree. Illinois State Police and the Rochelle Fire Department swiftly responded to the scene, doing everything in their power to save lives amid the wreckage. When they reached Araceli, she was found unconscious and in critical condition.
Emergency crews provided immediate medical care, and she was airlifted to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Despite the tireless efforts of first responders and medical professionals, Araceli was pronounced dead later that evening around 8 p.m. Her passing has left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and everyone who knew her.
Araceli was a vibrant young woman—kind, loving, and full of dreams for the future. Those closest to her remember her radiant smile, her caring heart, and her deep compassion for others. Whether she was spending time with family, helping a friend in need, or lending her laughter to lighten a room, Araceli had a way of making people feel seen and loved.
Her loved ones describe her as someone who lived life with purpose and positivity. She believed in hard work, cherished her roots, and always found beauty in the little things—a sunny morning, a heartfelt conversation, or a shared meal with those she held dear.
As her family and community grapple with this immense loss, they are finding comfort in the memories of the joy she brought into their lives. Her spirit will live on in every heart she touched, and her memory will remain a beacon of love, strength, and resilience.
The Winnebago County Coroner’s Office has completed an autopsy, and while the official cause of death is still pending, what remains certain is that Araceli’s passing has deeply affected all who knew her. The Illinois State Police continue to investigate the tragic incident.
As the investigation continues, the community comes together in grief and remembrance—honoring a young woman whose light was extinguished far too soon but whose impact will endure forever.
May Araceli Zepeda rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave in life. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
🕊️ Forever remembered. Forever loved.
