Services set for Maple Park man killed by driver of stolen car
Visitation and funeral services have been set for a 2012 Kaneland High School graduate who was killed after a woman driving a stolen car hit him head on last weekend.
Zachary M. Bingham, 18, of Maple Park, was killed along Route 38 in Campton Hills Saturday when his 2002 Pontiac Grand Am was struck by a vehicle reported stolen out of Wheaton and being driven by a 30-year-old Wisconsin woman.
Friends and teachers recalled Bingham as a dependable friend and talented welder. Bingham was riding with his girlfriend, Erin Pazin, 19, of Elburn, who was injured; his dog, Lucy, also died in the crash.
“If it had wheels or skis, from dirt bikes to quads to snowmobiles, Zach loved to drive it. Above all, Zach was the pride and joy of his parents and grandparents and made them all proud. Though he was taken too soon, the impact he made on the lives of family and friends alike, will never be forgotten,” read part of his obituary posted on the Conley Funeral Home website.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A 10 a.m. service will be held Tuesday at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Virgil where Rev. Perfecto Vasquez will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to help Bingham’s favorite charities. Donations in the form of checks may be made to the “Zachary Bingham Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or at conleycare.com.
The driver of the stolen car, Jennifer Liston, of Madison, also was killed in the crash. Court records show she had a long criminal record.
A resident in the 1900 block of East Illinois in Wheaton reported that a 2003 Nissan Altima had been stolen Saturday night. Liston topped 100 mph as she fled authorities through Kane County, authorities said.
Wheaton Police Chief Mark Field said authorities are investigating what brought Liston to the area and that police did not have any additional information to release Wednesday.