car crash

Three Teenagers Killed in Suburban Car Crash

Three 18-year-olds were killed in a car accident in unincorporated McHenry on Friday afternoon, according to the McHenry County Sheriff's Office. 

Around 2:10 p.m., the teenagers were in a 1994 Chevrolet Camaro heading south on the 1300 block of S. Lily Lake Road. Authorities say that after passing a slight right curve, the vehicle veered off the west side of the street and collided with multiple trees before coming to a stop. 

Driver James Seward, 18, of McHenry, and passenger Kelly Cronin, 18, of Island Lake, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The owner of the car, 18-year-old Promise Williamsen, of Holiday Hills, was transported to Centegra Hospital in McHenry, where she was pronounced dead. 

Seward's good friend Ryan Michmershuizen texted him earlier that day to meet up, but Michershuizen did not get a reply back.

"No response, so I drove up to his house," Michmershuizen said. "The road was blocked off and I heard about three people in a car accident and went up to his parents' house and they told me the news."

Rick Schawn has lived along the road for 25 years. He was one of the first on the scene of the crash and tried to help the teens get of the car.

"It was a very helpless feeling," Schawn said. "It was obvious that everybody was hurt really bad. It was a horrific accident."

All three were wearing seatbelts, and authorities say it is unknown whether there were any other factors contributing to the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

The group Illinois Car Enthusiasts has planned a memorial ride for Seward, Cronin, and Williamsen. The organization will ride through McHenry on Dec. 12.

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