A 17-year-old Buffalo Grove boy died after he fell off a skateboard while holding onto a moving vehicle Saturday evening, police said.
The Arlington Heights Police Department said that first responders were called to a traffic crash with injuries in the 4100 block of North Ridge Avenue in Arlington Heights around 7 p.m. Saturday.
Levi Matsuda, 17, of Buffalo Grove, suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Northwest Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 10 p.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Police said that Matsuda was riding a skateboard while holding onto the driver’s side door of a 2015 Honda Pilot while it was driving southbound on Ridge Avenue. Matsuda either let go or lost his grip on the SUV and fell, police added.
The SUV was driven by a juvenile, who stayed at the scene and cooperated with police.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family,” Buffalo Grove High School Principal Jeff Wardle said in a statement.
“Different students respond to tragedies differently. Please know that our counselors and crisis response team will be available to talk with students about their feelings. Over the next few days, please encourage your child to express his or her feelings and listen attentively,” Wardle said.
Social workers will be available Monday and Tuesday to help students and staff at the school, Wardle added. The investigation into Matsuda’s death continues, police said.