An Aurora man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a drunk driving crash that killed another motorist in 2023, DuPage County officials announced Monday.
Joshua Crye, 34, pleaded guilty last year to aggravated DUI causing death. Prosecutors sought the maximum possible sentence of 14 years, but Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh imposed a nine-year prison term following a sentencing hearing.
According to prosecutors, the crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. on April 6, 2023, on Eola Road. Aurora police responded to a three-vehicle collision after Crye, driving a Ford Escape, crossed into oncoming traffic at approximately 85 miles per hour.
Investigators said Crye slammed head-on into a vehicle driven by Nicole Dickerson, causing both cars to collide with a third vehicle. All three drivers were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Dickerson died four days later from her injuries.
Authorities determined Crye’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.183, more than twice the legal limit, at the time of the crash. He was arrested on June 12, 2023, and has remained in custody since then.
Crye must serve at least 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. He will receive credit for nearly three years already served, meaning he could be released as early as 2032.
In addition to the criminal case, Dickerson’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Crye.
