Authorities have identified a Waukegan woman who died after the vehicle she was driving crashed into a pole at a high rate of speed in Gurnee last week.
The Gurnee Police Department and Gurnee Fire Department responded around 11:15 p.m. Thursday to Tri-State Parkway and Centerpoint Court in Gurnee for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.
Officers arrived and found a 2005 blue Chevrolet Monte Carlo with extensive damage after it struck a pole, according to Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor.
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the driver as Samantha Scott, 45, of Waukegan.
Officers found Scott unresponsive and trapped inside the Chevrolet.
Gaylor said firefighters extricated Scott and began lifesaving efforts.
Paramedics transported the woman to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville where she was later pronounced dead.
The passenger, a 51-year-old Waukegan man, suffered minor injuries and exited the vehicle without assistance, Gaylor said.
The man was transported by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center for treatment.
The initial investigation showed the Chevrolet was traveling southbound on Tri-State Parkway.
Witnesses reported the Chevrolet was traveling at a high rate of speed and passing vehicles just before the crash, Gaylor said.
The car presumably lost control and crashed into a pole near the intersection of Tri-State Parkway and Centerpoint Court.
The Major Crash Assistance Team of Lake County responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation.
Investigators are working to determine if additional vehicles were involved.
The crash remains under investigation by the Gurnee Police Department and Lake County Coroner’s Office.