Won Suk Rim, 57, was driving a Kia SUV when it collided with and became lodged underneath garbage truck on Tuesday, October 15 near Harlem and Harrison. The Kia burst into flames. Rim and his wife, Jung Ran Min, 52, were both killed. A third person who was inside the passenger vehicle was also killed, but has not been identified. Rim family members say that woman is believed to be a friend they called Mrs. Kim.
The driver of the garbage truck was not hurt. The Village of Skokie defends its driver and said the Kia didn't stop at the two-way stop sign, and released a statement: "The village employee, while shaken over the incident, is physically unharmed. The individual has been employed by the village of Skokie for 19 years and has an excellent performance record."
Rim's adoptive father, Won Kim, said his son was a good driver.
No charges have been filed in the crash. The driver, who is seeking counseling, will be off work the rest of the week.
Rim and Min had been living in the US for eight years. They have two grown children in Korea.
"It's very sad. They have been very faithful to us. They visit us every day and cook for us," Won Kim, father, said. "They came to our house around 11:30am. I asked to stop by for a cup of coffee he said, I'm busy I've got to go," Kim said.
"Just a terrible tragedy for her family back in Korea, for the Korean community," friend Peter Lee said.
The couples' remains will be sent to Korea.
