Family, friends remember life of boy killed in Cuba Road accident

More than 200 family members and friends remembered the life of 15-year-old Daniel Vicario of Palatine Monday in a funeral Mass at Mision San Juan Diego in Arlington Heights.

Vicario was the driver of a car that crashed last week on Cuba Road in Long Grove, killing him and a passenger, Lilia Corina Bueno, 14, of Streamwood, and injuring three others.

Rev. Carlos Monsalve, who conducted the service in Spanish, reminded the many young people present of the need to value their own lives and those of others, said Pedro Vargas, who directs the family ministry at the church with his wife. At the same time, the priest made the point that no matter when people die, it seems too soon. He emphasized that what's important is that people be the best they can be for the time they have, Vargas said.

Many family members and friends shed tears as they left the church. Several people wore sweatshirts imprinted with the images of Vicario and Bueno and reading "Rest in peace."

"He made you laugh," said Jonathon Sandoval, 15, who attended elementary school and Palatine High School with Vicario. "He was a real good friend. If you needed help, he'd be there for you."

Authorities say the teen was driving above the 30 mph speed limit when he lost control of the vehicle, which slammed into trees.

Vicario borrowed the car from Amy A. Hinojosa, 21, of Palatine, who told police she loaned it to him to run an errand, not being aware he was only 15. No charges are being filed in Lake County, but the matter has been referred to the Cook County state's attorney for review as there is a law against loaning a car to someone who isn't authorized to drive, Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran said Monday.

The three siblings from Palatine who were injured in the crash - Martin Solis, 15, Luis Solis, 13, and Yareli Mendoza-Solis, 8 - were hospitalized for two days.