No peace until driver is found

Three weeks ago, at approximately 9:15 p.m. July 22, a lovely and popular 18-year-old female, Gabriella Drozdz, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The driver remains at large.

The first few days, I tried hard to give the driver the benefit of the doubt. Surely panic prevented him or her from pulling over to help the three beautiful teenage girls that were struck. Even fear I understand.

But as the days turned to a week, and now approaching a month, it goes beyond any and all comprehension.

There is a heartless cruel murderer who has yet to turn himself or herself in. By the grace of God, it could have been me, distracted by a phone call, or absent-mindedly reaching for something — causing my car to swerve and hit three pedestrians. We are human and we all have made mistakes while driving, mostly unintentional but nevertheless could result in a tragic outcome.

Would I have panicked? You bet. Would fear almost paralyze me? Absolutely. But would the human spirit prevail and would I have done the right thing? Without a doubt.

It pains me for the family that this person has chosen to remain anonymous, and his apparent indifference to the precious life he took. My heart breaks for the family. I have read the guest book entries her mother has posted. Her raw words haunt me. It is on my mind today as it was the day it happened. And until this person is caught and convicted, the despair will continue to grow in the hearts of our lovely community.

I know another family will grieve once their loved one is found guilty of such a heinous crime. There are simply no winners, but pray there will be closure for both families.

Rest in peace, Gabby.

Joanna Dailidas

Lake Zurich