Zion Lutheran basketball coach dies in Marengo crash on way to game

MARENGO, Ill. (WLS) -- A girls' basketball coach at Zion Lutheran School in Marengo was killed in a crash Thursday on her way to coach.

Katie Kloess, 29, was on her way to a game when it happened at Millstream Road and Route 176.

School administrators posted a statement on their website to parents:

"It is with heartfelt grief that we must share a Zion tragedy. Today as she was traveling to coach her 7th/8th grade girl's basketball team in Crystal Lake, Ms. Katie Kloess was tragically killed in a multiple vehicle accident. School and all school activities are cancelled for tomorrow except the Pre-School Polar Express. There is no 2 year old pre-school tomorrow," the statement said.

"The school will be open between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for students to talk to teachers and counselors. We are all deeply saddened by this horrible tragedy and pray for Katie's students and her family," the statement continued.

The McHenry County Coroner's Office said two people were killed in the crash. A man a second vehicle was also killed in the crash around 3 p.m. Thursday. Matthew Lange, 35, of Genoa Ill., and Kloess were both pronounced dead on the scene.

The school said it will release updates on services on its website.