In Loving Memory of Kelly Wooten and Jacklyn Bradley

In Loving Memory of Kelly Wooten and Jacklyn Bradley

WADSWORTH, Ill. — With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, we come together to remember and honor the lives of Kelly Wooten, 51, and Jacklyn Bradley, 45, both of Stoughton, Wisconsin, whose lives were tragically cut short in a devastating three-vehicle crash on Thursday morning. Their sudden passing has left families shattered, friendships forever changed, and two communities united in grief.

According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred along Illinois Route 173 in Wadsworth during the early morning commute — a time when the road is usually filled with routine, familiarity, and the quiet rhythm of another day beginning. In an instant, that routine was replaced by heartbreak.

First responders, including deputies and crews from the Newport Township Fire Protection District, arrived swiftly and worked tirelessly amid chaotic and painful circumstances. Despite their best efforts, Kelly Wooten and Jacklyn Bradley were both pronounced deceased as a result of the crash. The loss was immediate, devastating, and deeply felt.

But Kelly and Jacklyn were so much more than victims of a tragic accident.

Kelly Wooten, 51, was a woman of strength, loyalty, and quiet determination. Those who knew her speak of her steadfast nature — someone who could be counted on in times of need, someone who loved deeply and gave selflessly. She carried herself with resilience and grace, and her presence brought a sense of stability and comfort to those around her.

Jacklyn Bradley, 45, was known for her warmth, compassion, and vibrant spirit. Her smile could light up a room, and her kindness left lasting impressions. She had a way of connecting with people — listening without judgment, offering support without hesitation, and loving without condition. Jacklyn’s heart was open, and her generosity knew no bounds.

Together, they represented the beauty of friendship, family, and shared journeys. Whether they were traveling together, supporting one another, or simply sharing the ordinary moments of life, their bond was evident to those who knew them. That bond now lives on in memory.

Their passing has sent shockwaves through Stoughton, Wisconsin, and beyond. Loved ones are left grappling with disbelief, struggling to comprehend how two lives so full of promise could be taken so suddenly. There are conversations unfinished, plans left unrealized, and milestones that will now be remembered with both love and sorrow.

And yet, even in grief, there is remembrance.

There are stories being shared — of laughter, of kindness, of moments that once seemed small but now feel immeasurable. There are lessons they taught simply by the way they lived: to care for others, to show up, to love wholeheartedly.

Their lives remind us how fragile each day truly is. Like a morning drive we assume will end safely, life itself can change without warning. Kelly and Jacklyn’s memories now urge us to slow down, to hold our loved ones closer, and to never leave words of love unsaid.

To their families, no words can ease the depth of your loss, but may you find strength in one another and comfort in the love that surrounds you. To their friends, may the memories you shared become a source of light in the darkest moments. And to the communities mourning alongside you, may compassion and unity guide the days ahead.

In loving memory of Kelly Wooten and Jacklyn Bradley — your lives mattered. Your love mattered. And your legacy will live on in every heart you touched.

Rest peacefully, Kelly and Jacklyn. You are gone far too soon, but you will never be forgotten.