Nick Laureys Obituary, Death: Suspect in Crystal Lake teen’s fatal hit-and-run found dead in Woodstock, police report

Nick Laureys Obituary, Death – The individual suspected in the fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 15-year-old boy in Crystal Lake has been found dead in Woodstock, according to a statement released Monday by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

The announcement comes just two days after officials reported that they had located the vehicle believed to have been involved in the crash.

The incident occurred on the evening of July 2, around 7:30 p.m., when two 15-year-old boys were walking their bicycles home after a fishing trip. While traveling near the intersection of Terra Cotta Road and Deering Oaks Lane, one of the boys was struck from behind by a vehicle traveling approximately 40 mph. The car did not stop and fled the scene immediately after the collision.

The victim was identified as 15-year-old Nick Laureys by the McHenry County Coroner’s Office. He tragically died as a result of the impact.

On the night of July 4, officers from the Woodstock Police Department responded to a call regarding a death at a residence in Woodstock. When they arrived at the scene, they found a vehicle that matched the description of the one believed to have been used in the hit-and-run crash. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office was then contacted to assist in the investigation.

Upon further review, investigators confirmed that the vehicle was indeed the same one involved in the fatal incident. Authorities later determined that the person found dead at the scene was the suspect in the hit-and-run case. However, officials have not released any information about the suspect’s identity, including their name, age, or gender.

The sheriff’s office also stated that no other individuals are believed to be involved in the crash, and they are not pursuing any additional suspects. With the discovery of the suspect and the vehicle, the active search appears to have concluded.

At this time, the Woodstock Police Department, in conjunction with the McHenry County Coroner’s Office, is continuing to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death. It is unclear whether the death was accidental, self-inflicted, or involved other factors.

This tragic series of events has deeply impacted the Crystal Lake community, especially following the loss of young Nick Laureys. The incident began as a heartbreaking hit-and-run involving a child and ended days later with the death of the alleged driver.

Officials have not released further details regarding possible charges, motivations, or whether any prior connection existed between the victim and the suspect. More information may become available as the investigation into the suspect’s death continues.