Grayslake students mourn teen killed in Round Lake Beach accident

Students at Grayslake's two high schools Monday mourned a classmate who died over the weekend after being struck by a car.

Crisis teams and counselors were on hand at the Grayslake North and Grayslake Central campuses to help students grieving for Alonzo De La Torre.

The 17-year-old junior at Grayslake North died Saturday, two days after being struck by a car in Round Lake Beach.

"This tragic death has really impacted our students, staff and families," Grayslake High School District 127 Superintendent Catherine Finger said. "We already sense his loss."

De La Torre was a popular student who served on the homecoming court this year, Finger said. A memorial banner is on display at Grayslake North for students to sign, she said.

Students have been crying in the halls today, she said.

"We're here to comfort them and help them process feelings," Finger said.

The accident happened Thursday night while De La Torre was running with two friends near Hainesville Road and Merriwood Lane, Round Lake Beach police said.

De La Torre was flown to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where he died Saturday afternoon.

The driver was questioned and later released, police said. The Lake County major crash assistance team was assisting with the investigation.

Funeral arrangements had not been decided Monday.