ZION, Lake County, Ill., Oct. 19, 2026 — A 67-year-old man died after he was thrown from his minivan in a crash with a sedan Friday evening, October 16, at Green Bay Road and Stonebridge Drive in Zion, according to police. A 49-year-old woman was trapped in her vehicle and taken to a hospital with injuries.
The Zion Police Department and Zion Fire Rescue Department were called around 6:43 p.m. for a crash with injuries, Lt. Derek Zaloudek said. Preliminary findings indicate a black Audi S5 was headed north on Green Bay Road when a gold Chevrolet Uplander minivan turned from Stonebridge Drive onto southbound Green Bay Road and the two vehicles collided. The man driving the minivan was ejected in the crash. The woman driving the Audi was pinned inside her car. Each driver was reportedly the only person in their vehicle.
A bystander began CPR on the unresponsive man before officers and firefighters arrived and took over, Zaloudek said. Both drivers were taken by ambulance to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, according to fire department radio traffic. The man was pronounced dead at the hospital at 7:20 p.m., and the woman was being evaluated for a lower body injury.
Green Bay Road was shut down for several hours while officers worked the scene. The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team was called in to assist, and the Lake County Coroner's Office responded to the hospital.
The crash remains under investigation by the Major Crash Assistance Team and the Zion Police Department. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased, and we wish the injured driver a full recovery.
Local Crash Information for Zion, IL
The fatal crash was reported at Green Bay Road and Stonebridge Drive in Zion. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Lake County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should families do after a fatal crash like this?
Families are typically contacted by the coroner's office once the deceased is identified, and can request a copy of the official crash report from the responding police department once it's finalized.
How are fatal crashes like this one investigated?
Many departments bring in a dedicated crash reconstruction team, like the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team here, to examine the scene, vehicle data, and witness accounts before determining how the collision happened.
How long do these investigations typically take?
Full findings can take weeks or months, especially when they involve crash reconstruction, toxicology results, or multiple agencies reviewing the evidence.
Does impairment usually factor into crashes like this?
It can, but investigators don't confirm impairment until toxicology and blood testing are complete, so it shouldn't be assumed in any single case before it's officially reported.
What to Do After a Turning-Vehicle Crash in Zion, Illinois
If you're involved in a crash where a vehicle is turning across traffic, stay where you are if it's safe and call 911 right away. Even if you feel fine, get checked by paramedics or a doctor, since injuries from a side-impact or T-bone type collision aren't always obvious right away. Take photos of both vehicles, the intersection, and any traffic signals or signs if you're physically able. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses before they leave, since their account can matter later. Finally, request a copy of the official police report once it's available, and keep records of any medical treatment you receive.
