Woman, 26, dies when boats crash overnight in Monroe Harbor injuring several: ‘She had a heart of gold’

A 26-year-old West Loop woman who was killed when two boats collided in Monroe Harbor overnight was “the sweetest human being,” her father said.

Johanna H. Gregory was among 14 people aboard two boats involved in the collision, which happened about midnight.

“Johanna was 26 years old. She was a pediatric occupational therapist who treated a number of young children between six months old and 4 years old,” her father, Douglas Gregory told the Sun-Times.

“She had a heart of gold and was the sweetest human being and I don’t understand how someone so sweet could be taken from us,” Douglas said, through tears.

Three other people were in serious to critical condition at hospitals, and a fifth was in fair condition, all suffering injuries from the crash, which happened a few minutes before midnight, the fire department said.

An autopsy is scheduled for Gregory, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Gregory’s former co-worker, Elizabeth Benny, offered condolences when reached by the Sun-Times.

“I’m so sorry to hear about Johanna! How awful!” Benny said in an email.

Benny worked with Gregory at EB Pediatric Resources, 633 W. Addison St., where Gregory worked until about February, 2025, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Gregory worked primarily with children from birth to age 3 whose families were in the Early Intervention program.

“She was a skilled occupational therapist,” Benney said.

“Support for children with developmental delays is so important in those early years so, yes, she made a significant impact on many families here in Chicago while working with us,” Benny said in the email.

She provided services to children and parent training for families, Benney said. Parents and caretakers who learned from Johanna significantly increased their child’s developmental progress, Benney added.

“She always maintained a professional demeanor but her families loved her and she engaged so well with children,” Benney said.

When Gregory left to join another company, almost all of the staff gathered to wish her well, Benney said.

“She got along very well with her colleagues and always had a moment to share her insights with them, when needed,” Benney said. “We’ve really missed her.”