Deer Park, IL (January 16, 2026) – A tragic accident claimed the life of a 95-year-old Palatine man after he was struck and killed while examining his stalled vehicle in the middle of Lake Cook Rd.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Richard A. Krzysztofiak. Officials confirmed that he died from blunt force injuries sustained during the crash.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. as Krzysztofiak was traveling westbound on Lake Cook Rd, just east of Quentin Rd. When his vehicle stalled in the center lane, he exited and began checking under the hood. While he was positioned near the engine area, a westbound vehicle struck his car from behind, fatally injuring him.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene within minutes. Aerial footage later showed two heavily damaged vehicles at the intersection alongside fire crews, paramedics, and law enforcement blocking traffic.
The driver of the striking vehicle, a 30-year-old man, and his passenger, a 30-year-old woman from Arlington Heights, were both transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A 77-year-old woman from Barrington who was riding in the stalled vehicle was also hospitalized with similar injuries.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigations Team is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Richard A. Krzysztofiak during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish a full and swift recovery to all others injured in the crash.
