Google Street View near scene of fatal hit-and-run.
Lake Zurich police and fire/rescue responded to a hit-and-run SUV vs. pedestrian incident about 9:00 p.m. Friday in the 100 block of Church Street, just north of Jamie Lane. Police have learned that three teen girls were walking southbound on the roadway shoulder when they were struck from behind by a light-colored or white SUV that was driven without headlights.
Gabriella Drozdz, of Lake Zurich, was transported to Level I Trauma Center Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and was pronounced dead just before 10 p.m. The two other teens struck, who are sisters Vanessa Fitts, 18, and Rosie Fitts, 16, also of Lake Zurich, friends said. Both were transported to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, and were released from the hospital Saturday afternoon. Two Lake Zurich rescue-ambulance responded to the scene and one Wauconda rescue ambulance assisted Lake Zurich paramedics.
The offender’s vehicle is described as a large SUV, newer model, white or light-colored, and it may have a damaged or broken turn signal or hazard light plastic on the front passenger side. Tire tracks were visible on the shoulder of Church Street. The area is relatively desolate for the area and considering the time of the incident — field with brush located to the west and a middle school and high school out of session to the east. The southbound shoulder is adjacent to the field on the west side of the roadway.
Church Street was closed for about 2½ hours during work of the accident investigation team. Grayslake, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire and Wauconda police departments, and The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team are assisting Lake Zurich police with the investigation.
Citizens with information are asked to contact the Lake Zurich Police Department at (847) 438-2349.
See also …
gabbydrozdz.webs.com
Excerpts from Gabby Drozdz Facebook Memorial Page …
Gabby, I know we hadn’t talked too much since middle school but you were the most down to earth girl I’ve ever known & you always managed to stay true to yourself. You definitely made the last year of HAL an amazing one! You helped me come out of my shell & at the same time made that year one of the best. And I can’t forget to thank you for creating one of the weirdest yet most hilarious nicknames I’ve ever had, you were the kind of person that could make literally anyone laugh!
My thoughts and prayers are with all the friends and families that have been affected by this awful accident. Everyone misses you Gabby! Rest in peace♥
— Flora DuffI’ve known you since the third grade, and no matter how upset I was or how bad I felt you always cheered me up especially when everyone was against me. I honestly can’t thank you enough for that. You will forever be in my heart, prayers, and memory R.I.P. my heart goes out to your friends and family.
— Jake StrojnyGabby, I truly can’t think of anyone who’s had a greater impact on the people around them. You were one of a kind and I cherish all of the memories that I got to create with you over the years. Your spirit will forever be imbedded in our minds. Rest in peace kiddo ♥
— Parker Asmanngabby! i remember when we were in the foods room and our kitchens were right next to each other! you were hilarious, every time we cooked you would do somethin to make everyone laugh! so sorry this had to happen to you :( rest in peace gabby ♥
— Lauren GornikI didn’t know you Gabby, but I always heard amazing things about you. I hope justice is served. My prayers go out to your family and friends. Rest in Peace♥
— Jess GrizelyGabbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbyyyy! Dude. What the f*&!. I’ve known you since I was in 6th grade. I remember the first time I met you. I was walking by the library with chris and jake, and you and molly came running up to jake. We had TOO much fun that day, running around lake zurich being little hoodlums. We were supposed to hang out eventually….I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance again. Love you Gabby. ♥ And we’ll get this guy. Don’t worry.
— Mari De Meo