DeKALB | At 12:49 p.m. Friday, a University Libraries staff member was in an accident at the intersection of Annie Glidden Road and Dresser Road.

The staff member, Tara Dirst, is the technical coordinator of digital projects for University Libraries. Mary Munroe, interim dean of University Libraries said the accident occurred when Dirst was on her way home for lunch Friday afternoon.

“Evidently, the accident involved a pickup truck and a semi-trailer truck and her car,” Munroe said. “From what I can tell you is hearsay, but I can’t tell you what really happened. The pickup truck tried to pass the semi and ran her off the road. The semi hit her and the pickup did not stop.”

Dirst is at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford in the neurological intensive care unit, Munroe said.

“Her family is in town,” Munroe said. “She has a husband, Kevin and an eight-month-old daughter, Kiera.”

Dirst’s condition is critical, according to Munroe.

“I know the library staff is just really saddened by the event,” Munroe said. “We respected and valued her highly as a colleague. She is such a wonderful person and it’s just not fair to have this happen to her.”

DeKalb police are still investigating the accident. A full report will be released on a later date.