Tywaun Reed, 21, Waukegan Resident, Tragically Dies in a Rollover Crash in North Chicago: A Community Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Son and Friend as Authorities Investigate the Circumstances Surrounding the Fatal Collision – Obituary, Death
Tywaun Reed, a 21-year-old resident of Waukegan, Illinois, tragically lost his life in a fatal rollover crash on the night of Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in North Chicago. The accident occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m. near the intersection of 24th Street and Bobby Thompson Motorway, leaving a community in shock and mourning the untimely death of a young man with so much potential. Tywaun, the only occupant of the vehicle, was partially ejected during the violent crash, and despite the swift arrival of emergency personnel from the North Chicago Police Department, North Chicago Fire Department, and Lake Bluff Fire Department, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s Office later identified Tywaun and confirmed that he succumbed to blunt force trauma injuries resulting from the accident.
Born on July 2, 2003, Tywaun was a vibrant and energetic young man who grew up in Waukegan, surrounded by the love and support of his close-knit family and friends. He was known for his kind heart, infectious smile, and the ability to light up any room he walked into. Tywaun was a beloved son, brother, and friend to many in his community, where he was admired for his resilience, ambition, and unwavering loyalty to those he cared about. His sudden and tragic passing has left a void that will be felt deeply by all who knew him, and his family is now grappling with the immense pain of losing a son so suddenly and unexpectedly.
Tywaun’s early years were spent in Waukegan, where he attended local schools and made a lasting impression on his teachers and classmates. Known for his outgoing personality and athletic abilities, Tywaun was actively involved in sports, particularly basketball and football. He was a star athlete throughout high school, where his determination and discipline on the court and field earned him the admiration of coaches and teammates alike. His love for sports was more than just a hobby—it was a way for Tywaun to connect with others, push his limits, and pursue his dreams of one day playing at the collegiate level.
Although Tywaun’s athletic dreams were significant, his aspirations extended beyond the world of sports. He was also passionate about giving back to his community and had recently expressed interest in pursuing a career that would allow him to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Friends and family remember him as someone who cared deeply about the well-being of those around him, often stepping up to mentor younger kids in the neighborhood or offer a helping hand to those in need. His generosity and selflessness were defining traits that endeared him to everyone who crossed his path.
On the night of the accident, Tywaun was driving alone when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle veered off the roadway and overturned, ultimately trapping him underneath. Initial reports from the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) revealed that Tywaun’s vehicle had been involved in an earlier incident in which it fled from police. However, authorities clarified that there was no active pursuit at the time of the crash. Despite the efforts of bystanders and emergency personnel to rescue him, the severity of the crash left Tywaun fatally injured, and his life was tragically cut short at the scene.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office performed an autopsy shortly after the accident, confirming that the cause of death was blunt force trauma sustained during the crash. Investigators from MCAT are currently working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the rollover, examining factors such as road conditions, vehicle mechanics, and the moments leading up to the crash. While details of the investigation are still unfolding, the loss of Tywaun has left a grieving family and community seeking answers and mourning the loss of a promising young life.
In the wake of his passing, Tywaun’s family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from friends, neighbors, and the Waukegan community. Those closest to him remember Tywaun as a kind and thoughtful soul who always put others before himself. His mother, Angela Reed, spoke tearfully about the son she adored. “Tywaun was my world,” she said. “He had such a big heart and a bright future ahead of him. It’s hard to believe that he’s gone, but I know he’ll always be with us in spirit.” His father, Anthony Reed, echoed these sentiments, remembering Tywaun as a strong and resilient young man who faced life’s challenges with courage and determination. “He had so much potential,” Anthony said. “We were all so proud of him. It’s heartbreaking that his life was cut short.”
Friends of Tywaun have also shared memories of the joy and laughter he brought into their lives. His childhood friend, Marcus Johnson, described Tywaun as “the kind of person you could always count on.” He recalled how Tywaun was always there to lift others up, whether it was offering encouragement during a tough game or simply being a shoulder to lean on during difficult times. “He was more than a friend—he was like a brother to me,” Marcus said. “I’m going to miss him so much.”
Another friend, Kayla Thompson, spoke about Tywaun’s dreams and aspirations. “He was so full of life,” she said. “He had big plans for the future, and he worked hard every day to achieve them. He had a way of making you believe in yourself, even when things seemed impossible. That’s just the kind of person he was.”
As the investigation continues, Tywaun’s family is focusing on remembering the positive impact he made in his short life. They are planning a memorial service to honor his memory, which will take place at a local church in Waukegan. The service will be open to friends, family, and community members who wish to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a young man who meant so much to so many. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to local youth organizations that support at-risk youth—an initiative that Tywaun was passionate about and would have wanted to continue in his name.
The loss of Tywaun Reed has left the Waukegan community in mourning, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His kindness, generosity, and passion for life will continue to inspire others, even in his absence. While his life was tragically cut short, Tywaun’s legacy will endure, reminding those who loved him of the importance of living each day with purpose, compassion, and courage.
As his family navigates the grief and heartache of losing their son, they are comforted by the knowledge that Tywaun’s spirit will always be with them. “He may be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten,” Angela Reed said. “He touched so many lives, and his memory will live on through all of us.” Rest in peace, Tywaun Reed. Your life was a gift, and your legacy will never fade.
