From the Sheriff:

Fatal bicyclist crash near Crystal Lake

On July 2, at about 9:34 p.m., members of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and Crystal Lake Fire Protection District responded to a crash involving a car and bicycle on Terra Cotta Road near the intersection of Deering Oaks Lane in unincorporated Crystal Lake.

Preliminary investigation indicates that two 15-year-olds were riding bicycles southbound on Terra Cotta Road.

An unknown southbound vehicle struck one of the riders from behind.

The child was transported to Northwestern Medicine Hospital McHenry where he was pronounced deceased.

The driver of the vehicle did not stop and fled the scene.

The bicyclist involved in the crash had a red activated taillight.

The crash is being investigated by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Major Crash Investigation Unit and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office.

More information will be shared later today as the investigation progresses.

UPDATE:

McHenry County Coroner, Dr. Michael Rein, announced that his office was contacted on July 2, 2025, at around 11:00 pm by Northwestern Hospital McHenry, to investigate the death of a minor.

The decedent was transported to Northwestern Hospital McHenry after reportedly being involved in a motor vehicle incident while riding a bicycle around the intersection of Terra Cotta Rd and Deering Oaks Ln. in Crystal Lake.

They were transported to Northwestern Hospital McHenry where they were pronounced deceased.

An autopsy was performed, and preliminary findings show blunt force injuries as the cause of death.

Toxicology is currently pending.

The Coroner’s Office is continuing to work collaboratively with the McHenry County Sheriff and Crystal Lake Fire Protection District.