The coroner’s office has identified an 18-year-old man and a 21-year-old man who both died after their car struck a tree and became engulfed in flames in Ringwood.
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office said Thursday the two victims were unable to be identified due to the fire.
Forensic odontology identified the victims as Gabriel Van Fleet, 18, of McHenry, and Ty Sheedlo, 21, of Des Plaines.
The McHenry County Sheriffโs Office, Johnsburg Police Department and McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded around 5 a.m. Saturday to Route 31 and Ringwood Road in Ringwood, which is north of McHenry.
Sheriff’s officials said they received a call for a single-vehicle traffic crash south of the intersection.
A preliminary investigation shows a 2008 Saturn Vue was traveling southbound on Route 31 south of Ringwood Road.
The Saturn crossed the center line for unknown reasons and traveled into the northbound lane.
The vehicle left the roadway to the east where it struck a tree, the sheriff’s office said.
The vehicle then became fully engulfed in flames.
Sheedlo and Van Fleet were unable to exit the car and were pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
An autopsy was performed on the two on Tuesday.
Sheriff’s officials said it is unknown yet if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.
The incident remains under investigation by the McHenry County Sheriffโs Office Major Crash Investigation Unit and the McHenry County Coronerโs Office.