Father, daughter mourned after fatal Lindenhurst crash

LINDENHURST, Ill. (WLS) -- A suburban high school student and her father are being remembered Monday after they were killed in a crash over the weekend in far north suburban Lindenhurst.

Counselors from throughout the district comforted students and staff grieving the loss of one of Haylie Winiewicz, a popular varsity cheerleader at Grayslake North High School. Haylie's older sister, who also attends the school, survived the crash.

"I didn't want to tear up, and I was. Like right now, I'm really upset. It was very emotional," said Kim Mena, a Grayslake North High School student.

On Saturday afternoon, sophomore Haylie Winiewicz was with her sister and father when their car was hit by another vehicle. Haylie and her father Christopher were killed.

"We've lost two residents, two community members, to a horrific, tragic incident," said Chief Thomas Jones, Lindenhurst Police Dept.

Lindenhurst police continue to investigate the accident. They believe the Winiewicz's Kia, driven by Haylie's sister, was turning left onto Grand from 45. At the same time, investigators say a Nissan Truck was traveling north with its Zion driver and passenger.

It's unclear what the signals were at the time of the accident. Police are checking video from an IDOT camera at the intersection to see if it reveals answers, and they are eager to hear from anyone how may have witnessed the crash.

"We continue to seek out additional witnesses and are asking for members if they were in that area to contact the Lindenhurst Police Department," Chief Jones said.

At Grayslake North, many wore purple in honor of Haylie on Monday. The district's spokeswoman released a statement saying in part: "The District 127 school community is pulling together to support our students as we deal with the tragic news of the death of a Grayslake North student. Our hearts and prayers are with the Winiewicz family in the aftermath of the tragic accident."

Neighbors and friends are rallying behind the family to provide extra support to Haylie's mother and sister.