Lombard Man Gets 6 Months For Crash That Killed 78-Year-Old

LOMBARD, IL — A Lombard man has been sentenced to six months in prison in connection with a 2019 crash that claimed the life of Florence Hsiao, 78. Todd Heidenthal, 50, of the 100 block of E. Central Avenue, pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in Sept. 2020 in connection with the fatal crash.

Heidenthal was driving east on 35th Street between Midwest Road and Route 83 on Nov. 8, 2019, when he crossed the road's double yellow line and went into the westbound lanes in attempt to pass the car in front of him. While in the other lane, Heidenthal got into a head-on crash with Hsiao, which killed her.

Heidenthal was injured in the crash and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Heidenthal appeared in bond court Nov. 21, 2019, posted the necessary bond and was released from custody.

Since then, Heidenthal has been out on bond, but was taken into custody after Friday morning's hearing.

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release, "If not for the incredibly reckless behavior of Mr. Heidenthal, Florence Hsiao would be alive today. Not only did his actions on the road that morning cost Ms. Hsiao her life, he also upended the lives of her surviving family, friends and relatives as they continue on without her."

Heidenthal must serve 100 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Once his sentence is served, he'll have to complete two and a half years of probation.