Libertyville High School leaders are urging parents to speak with their children after the death of a recent high school graduate who was found unresponsive in a vehicle near his home earlier this week.
Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton said the Lake County Coroner’s Office was notified by the emergency room of Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville that an 18-year-old male was found unresponsive in his vehicle in the 600 block of Meadow Lane early Tuesday morning.
The male, identified as Parker Swearingin, 18, of Libertyville, was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 6:01 a.m., Newton said.
Swearingin was transported to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, Newton said, and the cause of death is being withheld pending autopsy results.
Newton said the Lake County Coroner’s Office is investigating the incident along with the Libertyville Police Department.
Libertyville Police referred all calls regarding the incident to the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
Libertyville High School Principal Dr. Ray Albin said in a message to parents this week, “It was with great sadness that we share the news that a member of our recently graduated class of 2025, Parker Swearingin, has passed away.”
He said Swearingin was a valued part of Libertyville High School who planned to attend the University of Illinois in the fall.
“Parker will be deeply missed by the many classmates, teachers, and staff who knew and cared about him,” Albin said. “Our hearts are with Parker’s family and all those impacted by this unexpected loss.”
He asked parents to connect with outside resources should they notice changes in their child’s behavior that are affecting their daily lives. In addition, parents should speak with their children about the death, encourage children to talk about the issue, and recognize their own children’s pain from the loss.
He added that students needing assistance are welcome to access support through the Summer School District’s Drop-In Center at (847) 327-7000.