Metro-East News

Driver flown to hospital after she swerves to miss deer and strikes tree, police say

A 46-year-old woman was flown to a hospital in St. Louis on Tuesday afternoon after swerving to miss a dear on Illinois 154 near Baldwin.

Illinois State Police say Darcy M. Betsch, of Coulterville, was driving a 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis west on IL 154 near Cheridan Road around 2:50 p.m. when a deer ran in front of her.

Betsch swerved to miss the animal and struck a tree, according to a news release.

She suffered major injuries and was flown to St. Louis University Hospital by Arch Helicopter.

Police cited Betsch for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Dana Rieck: 618-239-2642, @ByDanaRieck

This story was originally published October 3, 2018 at 6:33 AM.

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