Marita J. Hile, 64, of Westville, Illinois, died on July 12, 2020, after being accidentally shot while driving in Tilton, Illinois. A child riding in the back seat found a handgun and it discharged, striking Marita. She lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into a gas station sign. She was taken to a hospital in Danville and died about an hour later.

The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office says Marita and the child were the only occupants. The child was not injured. Authorities have classified the shooting as accidental and no arrests or murder investigations have been reported; there have been no legal actions announced in connection with her death.

If anyone knew Marita or has information about how the child obtained the firearm, please share what you know with local authorities.