Local News
Bria Allen Killed, Two Children Injured After Vehicle Loses Control on Icy Road in Gurnee
GURNEE, Ill. — A tragic crash in the north suburbs claimed the life of a woman and left two young children injured Sunday night after a vehicle reportedly struck a patch of ice and lost control, authorities said.
According to the Gurnee Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 8:54 p.m. Sunday on Grand Avenue over Interstate 94.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban was traveling westbound on Grand Avenue when the vehicle attempted to change lanes. Due to the icy road conditions, the Suburban is believed to have hit a patch of ice, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle then crossed the center median and entered the eastbound lanes of traffic, where it collided head-on with a 2007 Ford Focus traveling east.
The force of the impact pushed the Ford Focus off the roadway and into a nearby ditch.
The driver of the Ford Focus, identified as 29-year-old Bria Allen of Evanston, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that Allen died from blunt force injuries sustained during the crash.
The occupants of the Suburban—a 29-year-old woman from Waukegan and her two children, a 5-year-old boy and an 8-month-old girl—were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their current conditions have not been released.
No additional injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The Gurnee Police Department, with assistance from the Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT), continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities noted that winter weather and icy road conditions likely played a contributing role in the fatal collision.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.