Crystal Lake South Grad, Young PE Teacher Dies

Students and faculty at Tefft Middle School in Streamwood were stunned and saddened to learn of a beloved teacher’s death Sept. 6. 

Chelsea Lloyd, a 29-year old Hoffman Estates resident, died in her home after the Labor Day holiday weekend. The school learned of her death Sept. 7 and notified the student body that morning with an announcement over the intercom. Grief counselors were in place to assist students at the time of the announcement. 

“We were stunned,” said Tefft Principal Lavonne Smiley. “On Friday we see a young, vibrant, fit teacher. And then after the Labor Day weekend we are notified of her passing. It was a shock to students and staff as well.” 

The cause of Lloyd’s death has not been determined. Calls to the Cook County Medical Examinerand Hoffman Estates Police Department requesting information were not immediately returned. 

Smiley said Lloyd was a beloved figure at the middle school. She was starting her second year teaching seventh- and eighth-graders physical education after teaching the same at Ellis Middle School in Elgin for five years before joining Tefft. 

A graduate of , the accomplished soccer player graduated fromAurora University  on a soccer scholarship, Smiley said. 

At the end of a regularly scheduled school assembly Sept. 9, Smiley said students cheered Lloyd by shouting “Let’s go, Lloydsters,” the name Lloyd called her students. 

“I’ve never seen anything like it. It was incredibly touching and speaks to the impact she had on kids and all over the school,” she said. 

Students created posters, murals, poetry and even a portrait for Lloyd’s visitation at The Healy Chapel in Aurora Sept. 9. 

Bracelets and T-shirts are being sold at the school to support the newly-founded Chelsea Lloyd Women’s Soccer Fund created by her family. 

Smiley said it had been a dream of Lloyd to create a women's soccer fund.

“In the very short amount of time she was here, she left her mark at the school. We will not forget her,” Smiley said. 

Lloyd also coached junior varsity boys’ soccer and was head coach for the varsity girls soccer teamStreamwood High School. 

Athletic Director Patrick Ryan said he called in both soccer teams to tell them the news of Lloyd’s passing on Sept. 7 before they could hear it from other sources. The school provided grief counselors for students. 

Since that time, students created a tribute to Lloyd in the school’s showcase, he said and shirts are being made up with proceeds going to the soccer fund. 

A soccer event is scheduled on Sept. 20 at Streamwood High School’s stadium in remembrance of Lloyd. Donations from that event will also go to the soccer fund, Ryan said. 

In addition to her superior work ethic, Ryan said she was always there for students when they needed her. 

“She was a very nice person,” Ryan said. “She always had a cheerful disposition and was well-liked by kids. She always kept a positive attitude about everything.” 

Donations to the Chelsea Lloyd Women’s Soccer fund may be sent in care of Aurora University, 347 S. Gladstone Ave. Aurora, IL, 60506.