Funeral services are being held for a 22-year-old U.S. Navy Seaman who died after he was impaled by a fence post in a crash in Waukegan, as his family says he was a “fine young man who honored his country.”
The Waukegan Police Department and Waukegan Fire Department responded around 6:31 p.m. on January 26 to the 1100 block of South Lewis Avenue in Waukegan for a vehicle crash with injuries.
Officers and firefighters arrived to find a single-vehicle crash with serious injuries.
Paramedics found the driver, who was the sole occupant of the car, was unresponsive.
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the victim as Hayden Jones, 22, who is from Oklahoma and was currently stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes in Lake County.
A preliminary investigation showed that Jones was driving his car southbound on Lewis Avenue when the vehicle left the roadway for unknown reasons.
Banek said Jones’ vehicle crashed through a fence and into trees. A fence pole penetrated the vehicle’s windshield, impaling Jones in the head.
Jones, who suffered severe injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene, Banek said.
An obituary for Jones said he was a “cherished son, brother, and grandson” who “tragically passed away” at the young age of 22.
“Hayden had already made a significant mark on the world around him, having joined the United States Navy and proudly serving as a Navy Seaman,” his family said in the obituary.
Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton said Jones was initially tentatively identified by the coroner’s office, which then had to use fingerprint analysis to confirm his identity.
An autopsy was performed on Jones and the results showed he died as a result of blunt force injuries to the head as a result of the crash.
“Hayden was a fine young man who honored his country and Naval Service. He was a leader demonstrated by his volunteering as Assistant Section Leader, Master-At-Arms and Yeoman,” his obituary said.
Jones had a love for video games and often formed lasting friendships through them and had a passion for cars.
His obituary said he was known for his “vibrant spirit and zest for life.”
“Though his time with us was far too brief, Hayden McGwire Jones leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that will be forever treasured by those who knew him. His memory will continue to shine bright in the hearts of his family and friends,” his family said.
A visitation was held from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Dighton Marler Funeral Home in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a celebration of life is set for 2-3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
The Waukegan Police Department Major Crash Unit responded to the scene to conduct a crash investigation. Police have declined to release further information on the cause of the crash.