Authorities identify 2 South Elgin High students killed in crash
Authorities have identified the two South Elgin High School students killed Thursday in a Bartlett crash and have shared their findings on the circumstances of the collision.
Kamorra Campbell, 17, of Bartlett and Tahlulay Henry, 16, of Elgin, died, according to the Kane County coroner's office.
The two were passengers in a car that collided with a Mack semitrailer truck on Route 25 at Kenyon Road.
The male driver of the truck and the female driver of the 2002 Honda Civic suffered nonlife-threatening injuries and were taken to hospitals.
While Tahlulay died at the scene, Kamorra died at Sherman Hospital in Elgin.
A passenger who suffered life-threatening injuries first was taken to area hospital, then airlifted to a different hospital. She was listed in stable condition on Friday, according to Elgin Area School District U-46 officials.
In an email to parents, U-46 Superintendent Suzanne Johnson identified that passenger as student Elizabet Esparza, who she said was in stable condition at the hospital. In the same email to parents, Johnson said the district was not releasing the name of a fourth student in the Civic who suffered nonlife-threatening injuries.
"Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Johnson wrote. "We are here to provide support and assistance to the affected families in any way we can."
A moment of silence for the victims was observed Friday night before the South Elgin-Glenbard East varsity football game in Lombard.
Following a preliminary investigation, Bartlett police determined the Honda Civic in which the girls were passengers was traveling northbound on Route 25 when it failed to yield while turning left onto Kenyon Drive on a green light. The Civic was struck by the 1997 Mack semitrailer traveling south on Route 25.
The truck struck the passenger side of the car, police said.
The high school is under a mile west of the intersection.
"It is with heavy hearts that the entire Bartlett community mourns with the family and friends of the South Elgin High School students involved in Thursday's tragic car crash," Bartlett Village President Kevin Wallace said in a statement. "Words cannot capture the pain of losing two young women far too soon. Though their lives were short, there is no doubt that they brought love and joy to those they touched, teachers, classmates, friends, and family, and that they will be forever remembered."
The Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team assisted Bartlett police with their investigation. Route 25 was closed between West Bartlett Road and Graham Road for about seven hours on Thursday.
The U-46 crisis team was activated at South Elgin High School, and grief and loss social workers and counselors will remain available to help students and staff for as long as needed, Johnson said.
• Daily Herald staff writers Eric Peterson and Alice Fabbre contributed to this report.