The principal says a staff member was taking action to protect students near a crosswalk when he was left critically injured by a car that crashed outside of Buffalo Grove High School, calling it an “unimaginable moment.”
The Buffalo Grove Police Department and Buffalo Grove Fire Department responded around 3:20 p.m. Tuesday to Buffalo Grove High School, 1100 West Dundee Road in Buffalo Grove, for a vehicle crash with injuries.
Emergency crews arrived and found a car and a pedestrian involved at the entrance-exit to the parking lot off Dundee Road east of Arlington Heights Road.
Police said the pedestrian, a staff member of the high school, was found to have life-threatening injuries.
The crash originated on school grounds as a dark-colored four-door sedan was attempting to exit the parking lot onto Dundee Road.
The vehicle left the roadway and struck a pole, which then struck the staff member, police officials said.
Buffalo Grove police officers were on the scene “immediately” and provided emergency medical aid before paramedics arrived, police officials said.
The staff member was transported to a local hospital where they remain in critical condition.
“This is a tragic incident which has deeply impacted our high school community,” Buffalo Grove Police Chief Brian Budds said.
“Our thoughts are with the staff member, their loved ones, and all those impacted during this difficult time,” Budds said.
Buffalo Grove High School Principal Jeff Wardle said in a letter to the school community on Wednesday that the staff member remains hospitalized. “… our thoughts and prayers continue to be with him, his family, and all those involved.”
Wardle said the staff member is a valued and well-known member of the campus safety team who was supervising students at the crosswalk.
“As the situation quickly unfolded, he took action to protect students standing nearby. Our entire Buffalo Grove High School community is holding him and his family close during an incredibly difficult time,” Wardle said.
The principal expressed gratitude for the “immediate response and support” from the school resource officer, the Buffalo Grove police and fire departments, other staff members, first responders and community members who provided aid.
“Their quick actions and care made a meaningful difference in a very difficult moment. Events like this can significantly impact students and staff,” Wardle said.
Support was made available at school on Wednesday, as well as the coming days, for any student who wishes to speak with a member of Student Services or a trusted staff member.
Wardle said he encourages families to review the messages that have been sent out through the school as a way to navigate the “traumatic accident” that occurred.
“Out of respect for his family, who are navigating an unimaginable moment, I encourage families to monitor their child’s social media regarding images of the accident scene that have begun to circulate online,” the principal said.
Wardle added that the district remains in contact with the staff member’s family and is providing them with support. “Please continue to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Dundee Road was shut down for approximately three and a half hours following the incident.
The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) was activated to conduct a full investigation.
Police officials say the driver of the vehicle involved has been fully cooperating.
School officials said the incident occurred after school ended and cars were turning onto Dundee Road during dismissal.
The cause of the crash remains under active investigation by the Buffalo Grove Police Department Traffic Unit and MCAT.