Girl, 9, killed in Aurora crash

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- A 9-year-old girl was killed in a crash Friday night in Aurora and DUI charges are pending against a driver in connection with the crash, Aurora police said.

Katie Jonak was in a minivan being driven by her 40-year-old mother and with two other girls, ages 10 and 12. The minivan was driving northbound on Broadway Avenue just south of Pierce Street at about 9:10 p.m. when a Cadillac Deville being driven by a 25-year-old man swerved into their lanes, police said.

The minivan tried to swerve out of the way, but the Cadillac crashed into the passenger side where the 9-year-old was sitting.

Jonak was transported to Presence Mercy Medical Center, where she later died. The two other girls were transported with non-life threatening injuries and the 9-year-old girl's mother refused treatment.

The man driving the Cadillac fled the scene and was taken into custody without incident near the High Street Bridge that crosses the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks, police said. The man was showing signs of intoxication and police said charges are pending.

Jonak and her mother are residents of Aurora and the two other girls live in Batavia.

A family friend, released a statement on Saturday:

"Katie was a beautiful child, inside and out. She was absolutely riveting to watch on stage. Her sweet, gentle smile radiated the kindness in her heart. We grieve with her family and will miss her terribly."