Darien Man Dies In Downers Grove Crash

DARIEN, IL – A Darien man died after a crash last week in Downers Grove, with the driver being charged with reckless homicide, authorities said.

Matthew Heffner, 23, was the passenger in a car driven by his best friend, Jacob Liapis, 21, of Downers Grove, prosecutors said in a news release.

The crash was about 6 p.m. April 3 in the 5400 block of Fairmount Avenue, police said. Both men were taken to a local hospital.

Four days later, Heffner, who had been on a ventilator and in critical condition, died, the news release said.

Police said Liapis was driving his car, a Cadillac ATS, at 69 mph in a 25 mph zone, blowing a stop sign and losing control, police said. The Cadillac went airborne and rolled several times, ejecting Heffner, according to the news release.

"This tragic loss of a young, promising life will forever change the lives of the friends and family of those who loved Matthew, including Mr. Liapis," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement. "Ignoring posted speed limits and other signage can result in tragic consequences, as we saw in this case."

Liapas was taken to the DuPage County Jail. His bond was set at $100,000, requiring him to pay 10 percent to be released.

According to his obituary, Heffner had a son, Layton, who was described as his "mini-me."

"Matthew had a passion for cars, which he expressed with the many he owned and wrapped, through the car clubs he participated in and his dedication to the family business, Chicago Wrap," the obituary said.