Fundraisers have been started for two men, who were both fathers, that were killed in a high-speed crash while on their way to work in Woodstock on Wednesday.
The Woodstock Fire and Rescue District and the Woodstock Police Department responded around 6:33 a.m. Wednesday to the intersection of Route 14 and Route 47.
Woodstock Deputy Police Chief Jeffrey Parsons said officers located two vehicles, a red 2002 Ford Fusion and a gray 2006 Mazda Protege, with heavy damage.
A preliminary investigation, which included evidence gathered at the scene and witness statements, showed that the Mazda Protege was facing eastbound on Route 14 and stopped while waiting to turn right to go southbound on Route 47.
The Ford Fusion, which was also traveling eastbound on Route 14, was traveling at a very high rate of speed when it collided directly into the rear of the Mazda, Parsons said.
The impact caused both vehicles to travel across four lanes of traffic before coming to rest in the grassy area of the southeast corner of the intersection.
Agustin J. Herrera, 34, was driving the Mazda, and J. Felix Ortiz, 47, was in the passenger seat. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. They both resided in Harvard.
Paramedics treated a 42-year-old Harvard man who was driving the Ford and transported him to Northwestern Medicine Hospital in Huntley with life-threatening injuries.
The Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT), which consists of members from the Cary, Harvard, Johnsburg, McHenry, Spring Grove and Woodstock police departments, was activated to assist with the crash investigation.
“At this time, drugs and/or alcohol are not believed to be a contributory factor in this crash and investigators are looking into the possibility of the driver of the Ford having a medical emergency while operating his vehicle,” Parsons said.
Almost $20,000 has been raised for Ortiz’s family, according to a GoFundMe account.
“Felix was a hard-working, tough-loving, and passionate person. He was many things… a Husband, a Father, a Brother, and a Friend. He left behind his wife and 3 children, his brothers and sisters, his Mother.. and countless friends,” Jose Ortiz said.
$8,900 has been raised for Herrera’s family, according to a separate GoFundMe account.
“Agustin was the most caring, cheerful, and amazing father and son. His wife, 5 kids, parents, brothers and sisters are all devastated. Any donation will help the family in this time of grievance,” Agripina Herrera said.
Both men were on their way to work at the time of the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or knows someone that may have is asked to contact the Woodstock Police Department at 815-338-2131.