McHenry Teen Charged with DUI After Crash That Killed Two Young Victims
In the early hours of July 28, 2025, a tragic three-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of Richmond Road (IL Route 31) and McCullom Lake Road in McHenry, Illinois. Authorities have since charged a driver with serious offenses connected to the incident.
đź“Ť What Happened
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A 2006 red Audi A4, driven southbound by an 18-year-old man, collided with a 2015 black Nissan Sentra traveling eastbound on McCullom Lake Road.
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The force of the impact pushed the Nissan into a parked 2003 Toyota Echo, which was unoccupied at the time.
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The Nissan flipped over and suffered catastrophic damage.
⚰️ Victims
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A 19-year-old woman and a 14-year-old boy, both inside the Nissan Sentra, were pronounced dead at the scene by the McHenry County Coroner’s Office. Their names have not been released.
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The driver of the Audi, from Fox River Grove, was hospitalized with serious injuries.
đź‘® Charges Filed
The driver, 18-year-old Jason Land, faces multiple charges, including:
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Two counts of aggravated DUI — accident causing death (Class 2 felonies)
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Two counts of misdemeanor DUI (BAC ≥ 0.08)
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Failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash (citation)
Police indicated preliminary findings show alcohol impairment and excess speed exceeded the posted 35 mph limit may have contributed to the crash.
🚨 Investigation Status
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The McHenry County Regional Crash Assistance Team, which includes multiple local law enforcement agencies, handled the investigation at the scene.
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The intersection remained partially closed for hours as officials reconstructed the crash.
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Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the McHenry Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 815‑363‑2599 or tip line at 815‑363‑2124. Anonymous tips are accepted.
🧾 Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | July 28, 2025 — ~12:30 a.m. |
| Location | Richmond Rd (ILÂ 31) & McCullom Lake Rd, McHenry, IL |
| Vehicles Involved | Audi A4 (driver 18), Nissan Sentra (two teens), parked Toyota Echo (unoccupied) |
| Fatalities | 19‑year‑old woman; 14‑year‑old boy (in Nissan) – both died on site |
| Injured | Audi driver Jason Land, serious condition at hospital |
| Charges | Aggravated DUI causing death, misdemeanor DUI, failure to reduce speed |
| Aggravating Factors | Alcohol impairment suspected; speed likely contributed |
| Investigation | Regional crash team; intersection scene processing; public tips requested |
đź’¬ Community Response
This devastating incident has deeply affected the McHenry community. Residents and families of the crash victims are left in mourning and seeking answers during the ongoing investigation.
Local officials emphasized that the crash was not random and appears tied to impaired driving and excessive speed. They urged the community to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as part of the investigative process.
đź•Ż Final Thoughts
The tragic loss of two young lives in this early-morning crash is a stark reminder of the consequences of impaired and reckless driving. With an 18-year-old driver now facing serious felony charges, the legal and emotional ripples of this event are far-reaching.