Ben Oberto missing: Search for Missing New Berlin Man; Ben Oberto Found Dead After Single-Vehicle Crash in Rosemont Near O’Hare Airport
Ben Oberto missing: Search for Missing New Berlin Man; Ben Oberto Found Dead After Single-Vehicle Crash in Rosemont Near O’Hare Airport
What began as a desperate search for a missing husband and father of two ended in tragedy on Friday, November 15, when Illinois State Police discovered the body of Ben Oberto, 40, in his overturned Subaru Impreza submerged in a creek near Rosemont, Illinois. The incident, confirmed as a single-vehicle accident, occurred on the I-90 eastbound ramp to I-294 northbound near O’Hare Airport.
This heart-wrenching development concluded a three-day effort to locate Oberto, who was last seen leaving a restaurant in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on Wednesday, November 13. The circumstances leading to his crash and disappearance remain under investigation.
Timeline of Events
Wednesday, November 13: A Routine Workday Ends in Disappearance
Ben Oberto, a wine representative based in New Berlin, Wisconsin, traveled to Illinois for work. That evening, he dined at 1776 Restaurant in Crystal Lake, where surveillance footage captured him leaving the establishment just before 9:00 p.m.
From the restaurant, Oberto headed toward his vehicle, a 2019 Subaru Impreza with Wisconsin license plates ANJ-2349. His wife, Laura Leatherberry, recalled speaking with him at approximately 6:00 p.m. during his meal. “He told me he was finishing up and would probably be home in a couple of hours,” Leatherberry shared in an emotional interview.
However, when Oberto failed to return calls later that evening, Leatherberry’s unease grew. “I called him around 10:00 p.m., and it went straight to voicemail,” she said. “That wasn’t like him. I just knew something was wrong.”
By 9:30 p.m., Oberto’s I-PASS recorded a toll crossing at the Elgin Toll Plaza. Fifteen minutes later, his cell phone pinged in Rosemont. Then, communication ceased entirely.
Thursday, November 14: A Desperate Search Begins
Alarmed by her husband’s uncharacteristic silence, Leatherberry reported him missing to the New Berlin Police Department. The department promptly coordinated with Illinois law enforcement to begin a search.
“We initiated a multi-agency effort to locate Mr. Oberto,” said Lieutenant James Reinhardt of the New Berlin Police. “Given the timeline of his last known location, our focus was on Rosemont and surrounding areas.”
The case quickly gained public attention as friends, family, and community members shared Oberto’s description and vehicle details on social media. Leatherberry made a public plea for information, her voice trembling with emotion. “I miss him. I miss him a lot,” she said. “I just want him to be alive.”
Friday, November 15: Discovery of the Crash Site
The breakthrough came on Friday afternoon when Illinois State Police troopers located Oberto’s vehicle. At approximately 3:40 p.m., his Subaru Impreza was discovered overturned in a creek near the curve of the I-90 eastbound ramp to I-294 northbound. The area, a sharp bend notorious for accidents, is close to O’Hare International Airport.
Rosemont Police Department divers were called to the scene to search the submerged vehicle. They recovered a body inside, later identified as Oberto.
Authorities confirmed that the accident was a single-vehicle crash. Preliminary evidence suggests Oberto lost control of his car while navigating the curve, leading to the vehicle leaving the roadway and overturning into the creek.
Ongoing Investigation
The Illinois State Police have launched an investigation into the crash to determine the exact sequence of events. Factors being considered include weather conditions, vehicle speed, and potential mechanical failures. Toxicology reports are also pending to rule out impairment.
Lieutenant William Danvers of the Illinois State Police provided an update: “While preliminary evidence indicates this was an accident, our investigation remains active. We are working to reconstruct the incident to provide clarity and closure for the family.”
Impact on Family and Community
Oberto’s death has left his family and community in shock. Known for his outgoing personality and dedication to his family, Oberto was described as a loving husband and father to his two young children.
“He was everything to us,” Leatherberry said. “He worked hard, loved his family, and made time for everyone. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
The New Berlin community has rallied around the family, offering support and organizing fundraisers to help with expenses. A neighbor, Julie Henson, shared her condolences: “Ben was a wonderful person. Our hearts break for Laura and the kids. We’re here for them in any way we can be.”
The Road Where Tragedy Struck
The curve where Oberto’s accident occurred is part of a high-traffic area near O’Hare Airport, where the I-90 and I-294 interstates intersect. Known for its sharp turns and heavy congestion, the ramp has been the site of numerous accidents over the years.
Transportation safety experts have repeatedly highlighted the dangers of this stretch of road. “The combination of high speeds, sharp curves, and frequent traffic changes creates a hazardous environment,” said traffic engineer Mark Yates. “Drivers unfamiliar with the area are particularly vulnerable.”
Local authorities have implemented measures to improve safety, such as enhanced signage and reflective markers. However, critics argue that more needs to be done, including reducing speed limits and increasing lighting in poorly illuminated sections.
Unanswered Questions
Oberto’s final movements remain a mystery. Why was he in Rosemont, miles away from his planned route home? Investigators are piecing together clues, including his I-PASS data and surveillance footage from toll booths and businesses along his route.
Laura Leatherberry expressed her lingering doubts: “I just don’t understand what happened. He was supposed to come home. Why did he end up there?”
Remembering Ben Oberto
In the wake of his passing, friends and colleagues have shared memories of Oberto’s kindness, humor, and unwavering work ethic. As a wine representative, he built strong relationships with clients and coworkers alike.
“Ben had a gift for connecting with people,” said colleague Amanda Groves. “He was passionate about his work and always had a smile on his face. He’ll be deeply missed.”
Family members are planning a memorial service in New Berlin, where the community will gather to honor Oberto’s life. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support his children’s education and provide financial relief for the family during this difficult time.
A Sobering Reminder
Oberto’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution, particularly on unfamiliar roads and during adverse weather conditions.
“Tragedies like this one highlight the need for vigilance behind the wheel,” said Lieutenant Danvers. “We encourage everyone to stay alert, follow speed limits, and take extra care on challenging roadways.”
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the Oberto family faces the unimaginable loss of a beloved husband and father. Their grief is shared by the New Berlin and Rosemont communities, who have come together to offer support during this time of sorrow.
For now, the focus remains on remembering Ben Oberto as a man who brought joy to those around him, loved his family fiercely, and left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
