Authorities have identified a 25-year-old woman from Buffalo Grove, whose family said “leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter,” after she died in a vehicle crash in Wheeling.
The Wheeling Fire Department and Wheeling Police Department responded around 10:23 p.m. Wednesday to the intersection of Lake Cook Road and Northgate Parkway on the border of Wheeling and Buffalo Grove.
Wheeling Fire Chief Scott Salela said it was initially reported that a vehicle crash occurred and entrapment was reported in the vehicles.
A 911 caller who witnessed the crash reported the incident as a head-on style collision just west of the intersection.
Fire crews arrived within five minutes and found two vehicles involved with heavy damage.
Salela said both vehicles each had a victim entrapped inside.
Fire department personnel provided medical treatment and extricated both victims, Salela said.
The victims were both extricated within 20 minutes and transported by ambulances to the hospital.
One of the victims died at the hospital from their injuries, Salela said. The condition of the second victim was not released.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said the deceased victim was a 25-year-old Buffalo Grove woman. Police identified her as Ava Gable-Preze.
Gable-Preze leaves behind a “legacy of love and laughter cherished by her family and friends,” her family said in her obituary.
She was a graduate of the University of Arizona where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy with a minor in Business.
Gable-Preze was days away from starting a new job as a sales associate, her obituary said.
“Ava was poised to make a significant impact in her field and the world. Avaโs radiant spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. Her infectious laughter and kind heart left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have crossed her path,” her obituary said.
“Though she was taken from us far too soon, the memories of her warmth and authenticity will forever be cherished,” the obituary added.