Wisconsin Sales Manager Benjamin Oberto in Car Crash Sparks Advocacy for Road Safety on Dangerous Highway Ramp as Widow Laura Leatherberry Pushes for Guardrails and Signage to Prevent Future Accidents. obituary and death noticed
The life of 45-year-old Benjamin Oberto, a beloved Wisconsin man and accomplished sales manager for the wine distribution company Massanois, LLC, was tragically cut short on the night of November 13, 2024. Oberto, a dedicated husband, father, and member of the local wine community, died in a fatal car crash shortly after leaving a Crystal Lake, Illinois restaurant. His untimely passing has not only devastated his family and friends but also sparked an urgent conversation about road safety, particularly regarding a dangerous stretch of highway in the area. Oberto’s widow, Laura Leatherberry, has since launched a campaign for better infrastructure to prevent other families from enduring the heartbreak she now faces.
The Fatal Incident: A Life Lost on the Road
Benjamin Oberto had spent the evening of November 13 enjoying a meal at 1776 Restaurant in Crystal Lake, a favorite spot he had frequented over the years. Known for his jovial nature and passion for his work in the wine industry, Oberto was described as more than just a client by the restaurant staff, but as a friend and a part of their extended family. After dinner, Oberto began his drive back to his home in New Berlin, Wisconsin, unaware that the journey would be his last.
Around 11:00 p.m., Oberto, driving his Subaru Impreza, set off for his 90-minute drive back home. He was traveling along the I-90 East ramp to I-294 North, an interchange notoriously known for its sharp curves and hazardous driving conditions, especially in inclement weather. Unfortunately, he never made it home.
When Oberto failed to arrive back in New Berlin that night, his wife, Laura Leatherberry, grew concerned and immediately reached out to authorities. Two days later, Rosemont Police officers discovered the wreckage of his Subaru Impreza. The vehicle had plunged into a creek at the bottom of an embankment along the I-90 eastbound ramp to I-294 northbound. Divers located Oberto’s body inside the vehicle, which was partially submerged in the water.
Authorities confirmed that the crash occurred on a curve along the ramp—a location known for previous accidents due to its sharp turn and lack of safety features, including guardrails or clear signage indicating the sharpness of the curve. Investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash, but the location’s hazardous nature and the lack of adequate safety measures have raised questions about preventable measures that could have potentially saved Oberto’s life.
A Call for Action: Laura Leatherberry’s Advocacy for Road Safety
In the aftermath of her husband’s death, Laura Leatherberry has found herself not only grieving the loss of the love of her life but also committed to ensuring that no other family suffers a similar tragedy. Fueled by her determination to prevent another senseless death, she has turned her grief into a focused campaign for safety improvements at the site of the crash.
Leatherberry has since researched other accidents that have occurred at the same curve on the I-90 ramp, discovering a concerning pattern of incidents in the area. Reports from local authorities, such as the Daily Herald, indicate that similar crashes have occurred in this stretch of road over the years, yet no substantial measures have been taken to address the dangers it poses.
“Had there been proper guardrails or clear signage warning drivers of the sharp curve, I believe there’s a good chance my husband might still be here today,” Leatherberry said during a recent interview. “I don’t know if a guardrail would have saved his life, but I know that I can help prevent this from happening to someone else. That’s why I’m pushing for change.”
To raise awareness and push for safety improvements, Leatherberry has reached out to state and federal officials, urging them to prioritize the installation of guardrails and improved road signage at the dangerous curve. In her communications with transportation authorities, she has pointed to past accidents in the same area as evidence of the need for immediate action.
Remembering Benjamin Oberto: A Legacy of Passion, Generosity, and Connection
Benjamin Oberto’s death has left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and the wine industry, where he had built a reputation as a passionate and knowledgeable professional. As a sales manager for Massanois, LLC, Oberto was a respected figure who inspired colleagues and clients alike with his enthusiasm for fine wines. He was known for his warmth, dedication, and ability to forge deep connections with those around him, whether they were fellow wine professionals or casual acquaintances.
His colleagues at Massanois, LLC, have expressed their sorrow at his passing, with many describing him as a mentor and a friend. “Ben was a cornerstone of our company,” said Massanois CEO John Parker. “He was not only a talented professional but also a truly kind and selfless person who always put others first. His passion for the wine industry was infectious, and his contributions will be deeply missed.”
Staff members at 1776 Restaurant, where Oberto had been a frequent guest, also shared their memories of him. “Ben was like family to us,” the restaurant wrote in a tribute posted on social media. “He wasn’t just a regular customer; he became part of our lives. His laughter and joy were contagious, and he made everyone around him feel like they mattered. His absence has left a hole in our hearts.”
Oberto’s legacy is one of connection, generosity, and enthusiasm. His ability to bring people together through his love of wine and life is a testament to the positive impact he had on everyone he met.
Community Support: Rallying Around the Oberto Family
In the wake of Oberto’s death, his family has received an outpouring of support from friends, colleagues, and the broader community. A GoFundMe campaign, organized by Massanois, LLC and family friend Jennifer Powell, has raised over $109,000 to assist Oberto’s widow, Laura Leatherberry, and their family with the financial burdens that have resulted from this devastating loss.
“Ben wasn’t just the backbone of his family; he was a cornerstone of our community,” Powell said in her GoFundMe message. “His generosity, kindness, and sense of humor touched so many lives. We’re doing everything we can to help Laura and their children during this incredibly difficult time.”
The funds raised through the campaign will help with immediate expenses, including funeral costs, as well as provide long-term financial stability for Leatherberry and her family as they navigate the challenges of life without Benjamin.
Ongoing Efforts for Safety: A Widow’s Campaign for Change
Leatherberry’s efforts to improve safety at the crash site are ongoing. She has enlisted the support of local advocacy groups and public safety organizations to draw attention to the hazardous conditions of the highway ramp. In particular, she has focused on advocating for the installation of guardrails along the curve, which would provide a much-needed barrier to prevent vehicles from skidding off the road. Additionally, she has called for clearer signage to warn drivers about the sharp turn, especially during nighttime driving when visibility is reduced.
“My hope is that the authorities will take my concerns seriously and make the necessary changes to the road,” Leatherberry said. “I don’t want anyone else to go through the pain that I’m feeling right now.”
Her advocacy has drawn support from both local lawmakers and the public, with many rallying behind her cause to make the area safer for all drivers. However, progress has been slow, and Leatherberry continues to push for action, hoping that her efforts will lead to meaningful changes that can prevent other families from experiencing the same loss.
A Legacy of Connection and Passion: Honoring Benjamin Oberto’s Memory
Though Benjamin Oberto’s life was tragically cut short, his memory endures in the hearts of those who knew him. His colleagues, friends, and family continue to honor his legacy by embracing the values that he held dear: generosity, passion, and connection.
“Ben was the kind of person who made you feel special,” said his colleague Jennifer Powell. “He didn’t just sell wine; he shared experiences, he connected people, and he made life a little bit better for everyone around him.”
As Laura Leatherberry continues her campaign for road safety in Benjamin’s honor, she hopes that his death will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. “I want to make sure that no other family has to go through what we’ve been through,” she said. “I want to make sure that Benjamin’s legacy lives on in a way that helps protect others.”
How to Help: Supporting the Oberto Family and the Road Safety Cause
For those wishing to support the Oberto family during this difficult time, donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign, which will continue to accept contributions in the months ahead. Every donation, no matter the size, provides invaluable support to the family and stands as a tribute to Benjamin Oberto’s life and the impact he had on so many people.
In addition to financial support, advocates for road safety encourage individuals to raise awareness about hazardous road conditions and to contact local authorities to push for changes that could prevent future tragedies. By working together, we can honor the memory of Benjamin Oberto and help make the roads safer for everyone.
As Leatherberry continues her fight for road safety, the hope is that Benjamin Oberto’s legacy will not only live on in the memories of those who loved him but also in the lives saved by the changes his widow is working tirelessly to bring about.
