Recent high school grads from Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows killed in I-290 crash
Recent graduates of Schaumburg and Rolling Meadows high schools have been identified as the two people killed early Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 290 in Chicago.
Shealyn M. Sherwood, 18, of Hoffman Estates and a 2024 Schaumburg High graduate, and 18-year-old Erik C. Cox of Rolling Meadows, died in the collision that left three others injured, authorities said.
Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and Northwest Suburban High School District 214 officials indicated that grief support services would be available for those in need, despite school out of session for the summer.
“Erik was a wonderful young man with a bright future,” Rolling Meadows Principal Megan Kelly wrote in a letter announcing Cox’ death. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, and we ask that you please keep them in all your thoughts and hearts during this incredibly difficult time.”
District 211 declined to publicly share its correspondence to the school community regarding Sherwood’s passing.
Illinois State Police said the crash occurred just after 3 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-290 near Damen Avenue. Police did not provide additional details about how the crash occurred, but indicated one of the victims was outside a vehicle at the time of the collision.
Determinations of Sherwood and Cox’s cause and manner of death were still pending from the Cook County medical examiner’s office late Monday.
The three others injured in the crash were taken to nearby hospitals, authorities said. Their conditions were not disclosed Monday.