Joliet Catholic Senior Killed On Route 59 'Had A Lot Of Goals, He Wanted To Do It All,' Mom Tells Patch

JOLIET, IL — Joliet's Farkas Funeral Home at the corner of West Jefferson Street and Essington Road will welcome mourners at Wednesday's visitation for Isaak Torres, the 18-year-old Joliet Catholic Academy senior and four-year soccer player who died last Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash along Route 59 near Ridge Drive, not far from the Hammel Woods Forest Preserve.

"Isaak lived his 18 years with a spirit that was bright, determined, and deeply rooted in faith, family, and purpose," his obituary noted. "Those who knew him will remember him as loving, kind, and funny, a young man whose presence could lift a room and whose laughter could make even ordinary moments feel special. He brought warmth, silliness, and genuine light to the people around him, and he had a remarkable gift for making others feel seen, valued, and encouraged."

Isaak's mother Deyanira spoke with Joliet Patch on Tuesday afternoon, explaining how her son had lofty dreams.

"He left a lot behind," his mother said. She said that Isaak's favorite quote in life was "Live With No Fear."

"He taught all of us a little something that we did not know," she said.

Isaak inspired his mother's sister to forge ahead with plans to start her own business, even though she had some reservations about doing so. "Have no fear," he told her.

Isaak's mother said her graduating senior was affectionately known to others as "Isaak Fades."

Isaak's tragic death has had a huge impact on a lot of people within the Joliet Catholic Academy community and far beyond.

"He was a shy kid and everyone just loved him," his mother remarked. "He was an introvert a little bit."

Last Friday, Shorewood's Police Department issued an updated press release indicating they are still investigating the events surrounding Isaak's fatal crash, along with help from the Illinois State Police. The collision along Route 59 involved another driver, a 23-year-old man from Joliet, who was treated for minor injuries and later released from the hospital.

The collision happened around 10:15 p.m. last Thursday.

Isaak's mother told Joliet Patch that it's her understanding Isaak had been out grabbing a bite to eat from a nearby restaurant and he planned to drive over to a friend's house for a sleepover since Joliet Catholic Academy was on spring break from classes last week.

A resident of Joliet, Isaak attended Catholic grade school in Joliet before attending JCA. His mother said he started attending St. Jude and eventually graduated eighth grade from St. Mary Nativity on Broadway Street. In addition to playing soccer all four years at Joliet Catholic, Isaak was on the JCA volleyball team during his first three years of high school, his mother explained.

At age 13, "he was self-taught" at becoming a barber. His mother said he worked at the barbershop just east of the Ruby Street Bridge near the edge of Joliet's downtown. She said he started working there by sweeping the floors and he taught himself how to become a proficient barber.

"He was a very happy kid. He had a lot of goals. He wanted to do it all," his mother said.

In addition to pursuing a possible career path as a barber, Isaak planned to attend the College of DuPage in the fall, where he would major in construction management.

"He just wanted to be successful. He had back up plans. He had many, many goals," she remarked. "He had the right frame of mind."

According to his Farkas Funeral Home obituary, "Isaak will be remembered for his drive, his passion, and the bright future he had ahead of him. Though his time on earth was far too short, his impact was not small. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, ambition, and faith. His life speaks to all who knew him and to all who hear his story, reminding us to cherish every day, to love deeply, and to walk boldly in the purpose God places before us."

His obituary noted that "Isaak was deeply loved by his mother, Deyanira, his father, Gerardo, and his siblings, Lani, Benjamin, Daya, and Gerardo Jr. He was also cherished by his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, all of whom held a special place in his heart. He treasured time with his family, his girlfriend, and his friends, and he never took those relationships for granted."

Visitation for Isaak will be at the Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 West Jefferson St. on Wednesday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be at the funeral home on Thursday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park II. To review the full obituary or to post a tribute, visit the Farkas Funeral Home website.