Father Killed, 8-Year-Old Son Seriously Injured in Kane Co. Crash

SUGAR GROVE, IL - A 31-year-old Plano man was killed and his 8-year-old son seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash early Saturday in unincorporated Sugar Grove Township.

The crash happened when a 2007 Mercury Montego was heading west on Jericho Road, west of Route 47, at about 5:10 a.m. on Saturday. A witness told police the Mercury passed his vehicle and, as the Mercury began to enter a curve in the road, went off the roadway on the westbound shoulder, according to a Kane County Sheriff’s Office news release.

The Mercury spun and hit a large tree on the south side of the road, police said.
The driver, Esteban Velazquez, 31, of the 3000 block of Hoffman Street in Plano, was taken by helicopter to Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove where he was pronounced dead, according to the news release.

The driver’s son and back seat passenger in the Mercury, Steven Velazquez, 8, was taken to Rush-Copley Medical Center with injuries that are considered serious but not life-threatening.

Both the father and son were restrained at the time of the crash. It appears speed played a role in this crash but detectives have not determined if texting, alcohol or drugs also contributed to the accident.

Jericho Road was closed between Route 47 and Mighell Road for about five hours while the crash was being investigated.

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