Tiana Smith Obituary, Death – The Lake County Coroner has identified Tiana Smith, an 18-year-old woman from Zion, as the victim of a fatal hit-and-run incident in Wadsworth. Smith was struck while riding her bicycle late Friday night, and after the initial hit, she was run over by a second vehicle. The autopsy, conducted by Coroner Jennifer Banek on Monday, confirmed that Smith died from blunt force trauma due to the vehicle collision.
The tragic accident took place around 11:45 p.m. on Dilleys Road, just south of Wadsworth Road. Responding to reports of a “person down,” deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from the Newport Fire Protection District arrived at the scene, where they found Smith lying in the roadway, already deceased. Her injuries were consistent with a severe vehicle impact.
According to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli, Smith had been riding her bicycle northbound on Dilleys Road when she was struck from behind by a GMC SUV, also heading north. The impact of the crash threw Smith from her bicycle, which became lodged under the SUV as the driver fled the scene without stopping.
Moments later, as Smith lay in the roadway, she was run over by a southbound Hyundai Elantra driven by a 23-year-old man from Waukegan. The driver of the Hyundai immediately stopped and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
A witness who observed the scene told authorities they saw the GMC SUV dragging the bicycle eastbound on Wadsworth Road after the collision. Investigators later found the damaged bicycle and located the SUV parked at a residence in Winthrop Harbor. The vehicle bore damage consistent with the hit-and-run incident.
The suspected driver of the GMC, a 32-year-old man from Winthrop Harbor, has been identified by investigators. His vehicle was seized as evidence, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is expected to pursue criminal charges against him once the investigation is complete.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Technical Crash Investigations Team is continuing its investigation into the crash. While the full details of what led to the incident are still under review, authorities are focusing on gathering all evidence to build a comprehensive case. This may include forensic analysis of the vehicle, witness statements, and a detailed examination of the scene to understand the circumstances leading to Smith’s death.
The driver of the Hyundai, who remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement, is not facing charges at this time. The hit-and-run driver of the GMC, however, faces potential criminal prosecution for leaving the scene of an accident, particularly one that resulted in such a tragic loss of life.
Smith’s death has left the community in shock, as friends, family, and local residents process the devastating news. The loss of such a young life under these circumstances has prompted concern and sadness, with many likely reflecting on the dangers cyclists face on the roads. This incident highlights the need for drivers to be cautious and vigilant, especially when sharing the road with cyclists or pedestrians.
The investigation is still in progress, and authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward. Tips from witnesses or those who might have seen the SUV before or after the crash could provide crucial information to investigators as they piece together the full sequence of events.
The potential charges against the hit-and-run driver will likely depend on a range of factors, including the speed at which the SUV was traveling, the driver’s state at the time of the accident, and the decision to flee the scene after the collision. Leaving the scene of an accident, particularly when it involves significant injury or death, is a serious offense that can result in severe legal consequences.
This tragic accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers present on the road, not only for drivers but also for cyclists and pedestrians. As the investigation moves forward, the hope is that justice will be served for Tiana Smith, and that the case will prompt renewed efforts to ensure safety on roads for all users.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office continues to work diligently on the case, with the goal of holding the responsible parties accountable. The community now waits for further updates on the investigation and the potential criminal charges against the hit-and-run driver. As the legal process unfolds, Smith’s family and loved ones are left to mourn the loss of a young woman whose life was cut tragically short by this senseless accident.
