HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Hoffman Estates police believe alcohol may be involved in a crash Saturday morning that left two teens dead.
The three-car crash was reported just before 9 a.m. near Higgins Road and Barrington Road.
The driver of one of the cars involved, an 18-year-old woman, and their passenger, an 18-year-old man, were killed, according to a news release from the Hoffman Estates Police Department.
According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, the 18-year-old woman has been identified as Amelia Mazeikis, and the 18-year-old man has been identified as D’Shaun “DJ” Tudela.
According to family, the two were in a 3-year relationship and had just graduated from Schaumburg High School in May.
“He was such an amazing, amazing person,” said Khailani Davila-Tudela, DJ’s cousin. “He loved to bake. He loved to play with his brothers. He has a dog and he loved her to pieces. But most importantly, he loved Amelia.”
Township High School District 211 issued the following statement after Mazeikis and Tudela’s death:
“Class of 2023 graduates Amelia Mazeikis and D’Shaun Tudela were individuals with bright futures ahead of them, and this devastating news affects many in our Saxon high school community,” said District 211 Supt. Lisa Small. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends, and we also offer our sincere condolences to all Schaumburg High School students, families and staff.”
Two other people involved in the crash were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
An initial investigation found alcohol may have been involved, police said.
The remaining names of those involved haven’t been released.
The crash is still under investigation.
According to Small, student services staff at Schaumburg High School will be available Monday for anyone needing support.