'I need to fight for his legacy': New Berlin woman working to get a guardrail added after her husband's death
Nov 22, 2024
Its been exactly one week since Laura Leatherberry of New Berlin got the painful news that her husband, Ben Oberto, was found dead after a crash in Rosemont, Illinois."This is excruciating what I'm going through, Leatherberry said. Her husband was driving home to New Berlin from a work dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The original plan was that he would be home to put their 3-year-old son to bed. It was a really rainy, foggy, bad weather night, Leatherberry explained.She spoke to him on the phone that night and then never heard from him again. Friends and family retraced his route. Which led them to the I-90 Eastbound ramp to Northbound I-294.Watch: New Berlin woman working to get a guardrail added after her husband's death New Berlin woman working to get a guardrail added after her husband's death"All I know is that it is dangerous, Leatherberry said about the ramp.Illinois State Police found Oberto dead in his car which was partially submerged in the creek below the ramp. "I can't go back in time and bring him back and that's what I want to do. So, I have to look forward and do what's right, Leatherberry said.That's why Leatherberry is working to get a full guardrail on the ramp. She thinks it could have saved Obertos life."I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't do anything, Leatherberry explained.She reached out to the congressman who represents the area. His team said they are working on possible solutions."I'm just like terrified, I'm going to see the news and see the next family that has to endure this suffering, Leatherberry explained. She reached out to multiple departments including the Illinois Department of Transportation and the state's tollway system."I had to really fight to find him, and we found him and it wasn't the outcome we wanted. And now I need to fight for his legacy, Leatherberry said.If you have any information related to accidents on the I-90 Eastbound ramp to Northbound I-294, Leatherberry wants to hear from you.You can email her: [email protected] encourages anyone who wants to help in her fight for a safer ramp to send letters, emails, and call the following lawmakers:Secretary Omer OsmanIllinois Department of TransportationHanley Building2300 S. Dirksen ParkwaySpringfield, IL 62764(217) 782-7820Representative Raja KrishnamoorthiUnited States House of Representatives2367 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515(202) 225-3711Its about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for TMJ4 on your device.Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip