A celebration of life was held Saturday for a 14-year-old boy who died in a crash with an SUV while riding an e-moto in front of Wauconda High School, as his family says their hearts are shattered.
Tyler Waldal, 14, of Wauconda, died on July 21 following a vehicle crash that occurred around 10 p.m. that day in the 500 block of North Main Street in Wauconda.
Wauconda Fire District Battalion Chief Scott Schrayer said it was reported to involve a car and a bike.
Initial reports indicated the operator of the e-moto, later identified as Waldal, was possibly not breathing, Wauconda Police Department Public Information Officer Heather Cognac said.
Emergency crews arrived and found a collision involving an electric dirt bike and an SUV, Schrayer said.
An investigation showed Waldal was riding the e-moto southbound on Main Street while the gray 2025 Honda Pilot was traveling northbound on Main Street when the crash occurred, Cognac said.
Schrayer said both vehicles sustained significant damage. The crash occurred in front of the entrance to Wauconda High School.
Waldal was found lying in the roadway with critical injuries.
Waldal was transported by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Schrayer said.
The boy later died in the emergency room from his injuries.
The Honda Pilot was occupied by a 44-year-old female driver and an adult female passenger, Cognac said. Both occupants were evaluated at the scene but were uninjured.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to the hospital to take possession of Waldal.
The Wauconda Police Department requested the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) to conduct a crash investigation.
North Main Street was shut down in both directions for several hours during the emergency response and subsequent investigation, Schrayer said.
A celebration of life was held on Saturday afternoon for Waldal at Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home in Wauconda.
The family said in Waldal’s obituary that it was with “shattered hearts” to announce his sudden death.
“He was a quietly devoted son whose dry wit and perfectly timed humor were a constant source of joy. Tyler lived life in motion, fascinated by anything on two wheels,” his obituary said.
The family said Waldal found joy in riding his father’s motorcycles and “achieved a major milestone” by saving up to buy his own E-bike.
“His days were filled with the things he loved most: playing basketball with his dad, gaming and laughing with friends on his PC, being the antagonizing brother that he loved to be and snacking on Takis, Mambas, and Starbursts. Tyler left an unforgettable mark on our lives in his 14 short years,” his obituary said.
Wauconda Police Chief John Combs said he expresses his condolences to those impacted by the tragedy.
“Our hearts are with the young man’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy. Any time a young life is lost, it has a profound impact on an entire community,” Combs said.
“As e-motos and other similar electric vehicles become more common on our roadways, we urge parents and riders to understand their capabilities, follow traffic laws, wear proper safety equipment, and recognize the serious risks involved,” Combs said.
It has not been determined which vehicle was at fault. The incident remains under active investigation by the Wauconda Police Department and MCAT.
Lake County District 2 Board Member Adam Schlick said his “heart breaks” for the family, friends, classmates and everyone affected by the tragic crash.
“No family should have to experience the loss of a child. Please keep them, along with the first responders, witnesses, and everyone impacted, in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” Schlick said.
Waldal leaves behind his parents, four siblings and an array of other family members.
A GoFundMe account established for the family has raised over $55,000.
“Alex Waldal, the father, is a member of IBEW 150 and the sole breadwinner for the family. This sudden tragedy has left the family not only grieving, but also facing unexpected financial challenges that no family should have to endure,” said Haley Skala, who started the fundraising.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Wauconda Police Department at 847-526-2421.