Bartlett graduate killed in crash
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Bartlett’s Michael Coleman stands at attention for the national anthem before a Hawks’ 21-7 playoff win over Fremd in 2009. Daily Herald file photo |
What started as a winter break snowboarding trip between two best friends from Bartlett High School ended in tragedy Monday morning when their vehicle was struck head-on near Galena.
Michael Coleman and Justin Blazek, who both graduated in 2010, were about 35 miles from Galena when a driver in front of them lost control on an icy two-lane highway, causing a wreck that killed Coleman, according to the Stephenson County sheriff’s department.
Blazek was airlifted from the scene of the crash, which occurred about 8:15 a.m., and taken to Rockford Memorial Hospital in serious condition, according to police.
Coleman, who lived in Hanover Park, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Friends of the 19-year-olds gathered at Bartlett High School for a candlelight vigil Monday night, but police broke up the gathering citing a fire hazard bout 8 p.m., according to individuals at the school.
“Coleman was one of the nicest guys,” said R.J. Bilyeu, who had planned to attend the vigil.
Friends said Coleman was on the football and swim teams but also volunteered at the Bartlett Community Center.
“He would take my shifts at work even if he really didn’t have time for them,” Bilyeu said.
Coleman studied at the College of DuPage and Blazek was home on break from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, according to friends.
Arsalan Uddin, 29, of Glendale Heights has been cited for reckless driving, improper passing and driving too fast for conditions in connection to the crash.
Police said Uddin was driving west on Route 20 about a half-mile west of Damier Road outside Lena and was attempting to pass a vehicle but lost control on the icy roadway. The Honda Prelude Uddin was driving then sideswiped an eastbound GMC Yukon, causing the Yukon to lose control and cross into the westbound lanes, according to police.
The Yukon, which was driven by a 43-year-old Stockton, Ill., woman, struck the westbound Saturn driven by Coleman head-on, police said.
Uddin and the driver of the Yukon were both treated at and released from Freeport Memorial Hospital Monday.
Stephenson County sheriff’s officials said the accident remained under investigation Monday.
