Driver in fatal Illinois school crash was headed to a driving class, police say

Tuesday, January 30th 2007, 7:35 pm

By: News On 6

SHILOH, Ill. (AP) _ An 84-year-old woman was apparently en route to a driving class when her car plowed into an elementary school, killing a second-grader, authorities said Tuesday.

Ryan Wesling, 8, died Monday about an hour after being hit by a car that had traveled up a dead-end drive near Shiloh Elementary and into the cafeteria.

Police Chief Jim Stover said Grace Keim was apparently heading to a driving class at a senior citizen's center, but he would not otherwise comment on the investigation, which he said could take weeks.

Once Illinois drivers reach age 81, their license must be renewed every two years; after age 86, renewals are required every year. With each renewal, road tests are required. Keim's license was up for renewal March 3, her 85th birthday, according to the Illinois secretary of state's office.

Her driving record shows no citations. Messages left Tuesday at her home were not immediately returned.