Funeral Set For Teen Driver Killed On Briggs Street

NEW LENOX, IL - The Kurtz Memorial Chapel in New Lenox will have a visitation on Friday afternoon for mourners wishing to pay their respects to the family of Eric Zielinski. The 18-year-old recent graduate of Lincoln-Way West High School was one of two classmates who died early Tuesday. The sports utility vehicle that Zielinski was driving veered off Briggs Street near Spencer Road and struck a tree. Authorities said that Zielinski was dead at the scene. A backseat passenger, Heather Sturwold, 18, died a short time later at Silver Cross Hospital.

Two other passengers inside the vehicle were critically injured, Joliet Police said. Police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash, which happened around 3 a.m., according to a nearby home owner.

According to the Kurtz Funeral Chapel, Zielinski was a 2018 graduate and he had recently enlisted in the U.S. Marines. "Eric enjoyed various sports, fishing, and outdoor activities. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, godfather and friend to many who will be deeply missed and never forgotten," his obituary notes.

Friday's visitation at Kurtz, 102 E. Francis Road, New Lenox, is from 3 to 9 p.m.

The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Saturday at the chapel. You can read the full obituary for Eric Zielinski.

ORIGINAL STORY: 2 New Lenox Teens Killed In Joliet Crash

Obituary photo of Eric Zielinski via Kurtz Memorial Chapel