Downers Grove Student Hit By Car Remembered As 'Strong Person'

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Downers Grove North students and staff observed 18 seconds of silence Tuesday to remember Beth Dunlap, 17, who was hit by a car outside of the school Tuesday. "Those who know Beth know that she was a fierce competitor and a strong person. As hard as this loss is for all of us, I believe that she would want us to be strong and take care of each other," Principal Janice Schwarze told students.

She added that Dunlap's family said her injuries were "unrecoverable" and is in the process of making "final arrangements."

Principal Janice Schwarze sent an email to students, parents, and staff early Friday that shared the tragic news:

Dear North High Students and Families,

I am sorry to share the following message that we received from the family of Beth Dunlap, the student who was struck by a car on Tuesday:

“They have determined that Beth has unrecoverable injuries. We are in the process of making final arrangements. We are asking for no more visitation for Beth. We will follow up with funeral arrangements. Beth appreciates the love and prayers that everyone has offered. Please continue to pray for Beth and celebrate her life.”

Mr. Dunlap also shared that the family has deeply appreciated the support of DGN.

This is a great loss for our DGN family, so tomorrow morning our moment of silence during 2nd period will be dedicated to Beth.

Our Counseling and Student Support Services staff will continue to provide individual supports and offer counseling as long as students need it. Any student who is struggling is encouraged to seek out their counselor. Parents, don’t hesitate to call your child’s counselor if you want someone to initiate contact with your child.

Our hearts and deepest sympathy are with Beth’s family during this difficult time.

Dunlap, a varsity volleyball athlete for Downers Grove North. After news of her injuries was made public, other athletes, students, and staff began to do 18 pushups in a show of solidarity and support for her jersey number, 18.

Downers Grove North Volleyball posted a tribute to Beth on Twitter:

Friends, fellow athletes, and community members also took to social media to honor Dunlap. To show their support, they used the hashtags #bethstrong and #18for18.

Dunlap was hit by a car while crossing Main Street outside of the school Tuesday morning. Police say she was in the crosswalk when she was hit and had a "walk" signal.

Joseph Kucharski, 51, of Naperville, faces reckless homicide charges in connection with Dunlap's death.

Village Commissioner Bob Barnett shared a heartfelt post on social media in Beth's memory.

He wrote, "Hug the ones you love a little longer. Smile a little brighter at those you don’t know. We’re all in this together and each of us only for a short time."

Read more:

• Reckless Homicide Charges For Man In Death Of Downers Grove Girl
• Memorial for Downers Grove North Student Moved From Crosswalk
• Felony Charges For Driver Accused Of Hitting DGN Student With Car
• Downers Grove North Student Struck By Car While Crossing Street