Tragic Loss in Waukegan: 17-Year-Old Jorge Carmona Killed in Late-Night Hit-and-Run While Riding Bike in Chicago Suburb – Police Hunt for Driver in Heartbreaking Case that Has Shaken Local Community

Tragic Loss in Waukegan: 17-Year-Old Jorge Carmona Killed in Late-Night Hit-and-Run While Riding Bike in Chicago Suburb – Police Hunt for Driver in Heartbreaking Case that Has Shaken Local Community”

Waukegan, Illinois — November 13, 2024

The Waukegan community is mourning the untimely death of Jorge Carmona, a 17-year-old high school student who was killed in a hit-and-run accident while riding his bicycle on Sunday. The fatal incident occurred shortly after midnight near the intersection of Belvidere Road and Fulton Avenue, a location known for heavy traffic and, unfortunately, occasional incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Jorge’s death has shocked friends, family, and residents of Waukegan, who remember him as a caring, hardworking young man with a bright future ahead of him.

The Waukegan Police Department’s Major Crash Unit is leading the investigation, combing through witness accounts, security footage, and forensic evidence in a race to identify the driver who fled the scene. Meanwhile, local officials, community leaders, and Jorge’s loved ones are rallying together, raising awareness of the dangers faced by cyclists on the road and calling for justice in his name.

The Fatal Incident

The events unfolded around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday. Jorge, who was riding his bicycle on his way back home from a friend’s house, was struck by a vehicle as he traveled near the intersection of Belvidere Road and Fulton Avenue. This location, though equipped with streetlights, can be particularly hazardous late at night due to the speed of vehicles passing through, and Jorge’s family later confirmed that he often took this route to avoid heavier traffic on main roads.

According to Waukegan police, the driver involved in the accident failed to stop and left the scene immediately after the impact, leaving Jorge lying unresponsive on the road. A passerby called 911 shortly after the crash, reporting a severely injured cyclist. When first responders arrived, they found Jorge critically injured, but despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office confirmed Jorge’s identity later that day and conducted an autopsy that revealed the cause of death as multiple traumatic injuries. The news of Jorge’s tragic passing devastated his family and friends, many of whom gathered near the crash site over the following days to mourn, leaving candles, flowers, and handwritten notes in his memory.

Remembering Jorge Carmona

Jorge Carmona, a senior at Waukegan High School, was a young man with dreams and ambitions. Friends describe him as kind, friendly, and hardworking, known for his easygoing personality and his genuine care for others. He was set to graduate in a few months and had aspirations of attending community college, with hopes of pursuing a career in automotive mechanics—a field he was passionate about. His teachers recall Jorge as a dedicated student who was enthusiastic about learning, particularly in his vocational classes where he excelled.

“Jorge was a light in our school,” said Mr. Thomas Gleason, his vocational training teacher. “He had this incredible spirit, always willing to lend a hand and learn something new. He had a natural curiosity and a real passion for working with his hands. It’s heartbreaking to think of what he could have accomplished.”

Jorge’s family has described him as someone who was deeply devoted to those he loved. He often helped care for his younger siblings and was known to lend a hand at home and in the community whenever he could. His mother, Maria Carmona, said that Jorge had a natural inclination to help others and was often called the “big brother” of his neighborhood for the way he looked after the younger kids.

“Jorge was everything to us,” she said, fighting back tears. “He was a good boy. He worked hard, he studied, and he loved his family. We don’t understand why this happened, why he had to be taken from us.”

A Community in Mourning

News of Jorge’s death has sent shockwaves through Waukegan, a city that prides itself on close-knit neighborhoods and community support. Over the past few days, friends, classmates, teachers, and local residents have come together to honor Jorge’s memory and offer support to the Carmona family. A candlelight vigil was held at the site of the crash on Monday evening, where over a hundred people gathered to remember Jorge’s life. The street was lined with lit candles, flowers, and messages from his friends and neighbors, all heartbroken over the tragic loss.

At the vigil, friends shared memories of Jorge, remembering him as a joyful, kind-hearted person who always had a smile on his face. “Jorge was my best friend. I can’t believe he’s gone,” said Miguel Torres, who grew up with Jorge and had spent time with him just hours before the accident. “We talked about our plans, about what we were going to do after graduation. I just wish I could have told him one last time how much he meant to me.”

Waukegan High School has made grief counselors available for students, recognizing the deep impact Jorge’s death has had on his peers. The school’s principal, Dr. Emily Lawson, expressed her sorrow and noted that Jorge’s passing has left an indelible mark on the school community. “Jorge was one of those students who was known and loved by so many. This tragedy has affected us all,” she said.

The Hunt for Justice

The hit-and-run has spurred frustration and anger, especially among those who knew Jorge and are eager to see the driver brought to justice. Waukegan Police Chief Robert Cunningham has assured the community that the Major Crash Unit is making every effort to locate the driver involved. “This is a serious crime, and we are using all resources available to track down the individual responsible,” Chief Cunningham said in a press statement on Monday.

Investigators are working to obtain any possible video footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras in hopes of identifying the vehicle. Chief Cunningham has urged anyone with information about the incident or the driver’s identity to come forward. “Someone out there knows something,” he said. “If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact our department. We owe it to Jorge and his family to find answers.”

Police are also conducting forensic analysis of debris found at the crash site, which they believe may provide clues about the vehicle involved. They have encouraged local auto repair shops to report any recent, suspicious repairs that might match the damage pattern consistent with a hit-and-run incident.

Road Safety Concerns in Waukegan

Jorge’s death has reignited longstanding concerns over road safety in Waukegan, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. The intersection of Belvidere Road and Fulton Avenue has been a point of concern for local residents, who have cited issues with speeding and a lack of visibility for drivers and cyclists. City officials are now facing pressure to address these concerns in the wake of the tragedy, with community members calling for better lighting, clearer signage, and potentially even the addition of bike lanes to protect cyclists on busy routes.

City Councilmember Karen Flores, who represents the district where the crash occurred, expressed her condolences to the Carmona family and has vowed to push for changes. “We cannot let this happen again. Our streets need to be safe for everyone, especially our young people,” she stated. Flores has proposed an emergency meeting with city officials to discuss immediate safety measures that could be implemented to prevent future accidents.

The tragedy has also sparked discussions among advocacy groups in Lake County, who have been working to promote safer cycling conditions. The Lake County Bicycle Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cyclist safety, has been in touch with city officials and has offered support to the Carmona family. “This incident underscores the need for dedicated cycling infrastructure,” said Robert Hansen, a spokesperson for the coalition. “We are deeply saddened by Jorge’s death, and we hope that it will serve as a catalyst for real change in how we approach road safety in this community.”

Remembering Jorge: A Legacy of Love and Kindness

For those closest to Jorge, the grief is still fresh, and the pain of his absence is indescribable. His family has expressed their appreciation for the community’s outpouring of support but emphasized that their focus remains on seeing justice served. Jorge’s father, Carlos Carmona, shared a tearful message with reporters, saying, “Our son deserves justice. He did not deserve to die this way, alone on the street. We will not rest until the person responsible is found.”

Despite the sorrow that now envelops his family, Jorge’s legacy lives on in the memories and lives he touched. His friends and family have vowed to honor his memory by cherishing the kindness he showed to others, his love for his family, and his dedication to his dreams.

Jorge’s family is currently working with community leaders to set up a scholarship fund in his name at Waukegan High School, aimed at supporting students interested in vocational studies. They hope that this fund will keep Jorge’s spirit alive, helping other young people pursue the kind of career Jorge had hoped to build.

As the investigation into the hit-and-run continues, Waukegan residents remain hopeful that justice will be served. For now, they grieve the loss of a young life taken too soon—a young man who had so much more to give and whose memory will forever hold a place in the hearts of his community.

In the words of his mother, Maria, “Jorge was a beautiful soul, and we want to remember him that way. He was loved by so many, and even though he’s gone, his love will stay with us. We ask everyone to remember him as he was and to pray that he finds peace.”

The Waukegan Police Department has urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact their tip line, and a reward has been established for tips leading to the driver’s identification and arrest