Tributes Pour In For Retired Teacher Killed In Dan Ryan Shooting

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Tributes are pouring in for Denise Huguelet, a retired special education teacher from Evergreen Park Dist. 124, who died in a shooting on the Dan Ryan Expressway late Tuesday evening.

Huguelet, 67, and her husband, Michael, were coming home from a White Sox game around 10 p.m. when she was apparently hit by a stray bullet on the Dan Ryan Expressway near 63rd Street. Two people are being questioned about the shooting by Illinois State Police, according to news reports

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She taught special education at Central Middle School in District 124 for 24 years, serving students with significant disabilities. District 124 officials said in a Facebook post that Huguelet’s passion for her students and her dedication to the community showed in all aspects of her work.

“Mrs. Huguelet’s nature with kids was kind, yet firm, to ensure that students were taught the independent skills they needed to be successful in their futures. She cared deeply about the academic needs of students, and the social and emotional well-being of every students' needs. An Evergreen Park native, she was a dear friend to many colleagues who will remember her character as pure, honest, fair and kind. She was an incredible woman whose memory will always be with us.”

Former colleagues, students and parents also left tributes on the District 124 Facebook page. One of the teacher’s former students said Huguelet was the reason she made it through the seventh grade at Central Middle School:

“If it wasn’t for her Kindness I really wouldn’t be where I am today plus I remember the entire class made wonderful Christmas cookies before she retired and asked me to check on them afterwards as a favor. Ms.Huguelet will always have a special place in my heart forever. My thoughts and prayers are with the Huguelet family.”

“One of my favorite teachers who could shine light in the darkest room. Nothing but great memories and such a caring soul. My condolences to the family.”

“One of the best. Such a horrific tragedy. She worked with my son Tony and helped in so many ways.”

Huguelet’s high school alma mater Mother McAuley Liberal Arts Academy, where she was known as Denise Sullivan, paid tribute to the retired teacher on Twitter: “Our Mother McAuley community is deeply saddened to learn of the traffic passing of Denise Sullivan Huguelet, ‘72.”

Huguelet lived in Orland Park and had recently organized a family reunion. Her husband, Michael Huguelet, was the prosecutor for many years for the Village of Orland Park.

“On behalf of myself and the village board, we express our sincere condolences to the Huguelet family,” Mayor Keith Pekau said in a news release. “The community mourns alongside you today.”

Former Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy, himself a victim of gun violence, called Huguelet’s death disheartening.

“While this type of violence is always tough, this one hits close to home as the Huguelet family is a part of the Village of Orland Park family,” McCarthy said.

Illinois State police conducted an overhead search following the shooting, leading to the discovery of a car fleeing at a high rate of speed. Two people were taken into custody following a chase, and a gun was recovered, police said.