Co-workers of a 27-year-old man, who worked at Advocate Condell hospital in Libertyville, are mourning his loss after he was killed while driving home to Crystal Lake from work.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and Nunda Rural Fire Protection District responded around 3:12 p.m. Saturday to Ringers Landscape Services, 2101 Route 176 in Prairie Grove, which is east of Crystal Lake.
The sheriff’s office said the incident involved two vehicles, a 2002 Toyota Highlander and a 2001 Ford E-350 cargo truck.
The Toyota, driven by Tyler King, 27, of Crystal Lake, was traveling westbound on Route 176 west of Bayview Beach Road, the sheriff’s office said.
The Ford cargo truck, driven by Eduardo Lopez-Peredo, 44, of Wauconda, was traveling eastbound on Route 176.
For unknown reasons, the Toyota crossed the center line, striking the eastbound Ford, the sheriff’s office said.
The Ford then left the roadway, overturned and spilled its cargo. Seatbelts were used by both drivers.
King was pronounced dead at the scene. Lopez-Peredo was airlifted to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
On Monday, a GoFundMe account was created to help with expenses for King’s family.
The account has already raised over $15,000 in 24 hours.
Amy Bonfiglio, a co-worker of King, said in the GoFundMe that King “touched many lives” and “was tragically taken too soon.”
King was on his way home to Crystal Lake from Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he worked as a patient transporter.
One of his co-workers said in a social media post that he was “always a source of brightness and happiness.”
In a statement to Lake and McHenry County Scanner, Advocate Condell Medical Center President Matt Primack said the hospital was deeply saddened by the loss of King.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Tyler King, a well-known and well-liked colleague who served everyday with compassion and respect. He always partnered with those around him to create a positive environment. Our hearts go out to his family and friends,” Primack said.
The crash investigation is ongoing by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Major Crash Investigation Unit and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office.