A 15-year-old bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run crash Wednesday night in the northwest suburbs, according to police.
Just after 9:30 p.m., two 15-year-olds were biking south on Terra Cotta Road, near the intersection of Deering Oaks Lane in unincorporated Crystal Lake, when a car struck one of the bikers from behind, according to the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office reported that the vehicle continued to drive.
According to police, the teen was taken to Northwestern Medicine Hospital McHenry and died there.
According to police, the biker who was hit was riding with a red taillight activated.
The boy’s family identified him as Nick Laureys, and they are demanding answers.
Family members said the teen was riding his bike home after fishing with a friend.
His uncle said he was just a few weeks away from turning 16.
Lance Laureys described the crash as “ploughing” into his nephew.
He described Nick Laureys as a happy kid who enjoyed rebuilding ATVs. He claimed he had his whole life ahead of him.
“He was a good kid.” He had so much for himself, and this person simply took it away. “They did not slow down at all,” Laureys said. “What is it going to take for these people to slow down or just watch?”
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Major Crash Investigation Unit and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office are conducting the investigation.
The sheriff’s office believes the vehicle involved was a dark-coloured red 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that the public, local body shops, and/or dealerships contact them if they come across a similar vehicle with front-end damage. Call (815) 338-2144 if you have any tips.
