S. Elgin teen hurt in scavenger hunt stunt improving

As a South Elgin teen who nearly died on a scavenger hunt continued to recover over Thanksgiving, authorities said his health might "alleviate the need" for a special grand jury investigation into the game that led him to jump from a moving vehicle.

Erik G. Nava, 17, suffered severe head wounds Nov. 21 in St. Charles Township while playing a game that awarded points for jumping from a vehicle at 25 mph. Over the holiday, his condition was upgraded from critical to good, a spokesman at Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva said Friday.

Asked to comment, First Assistant Kane County State's Attorney Clint Hull said "it's fantastic to hear he's improving" and acknowledged Nava's health is a factor in the need for a special grand jury investigation.

"Although that might alleviate the need for a special grand jury, we're not prepared to make any changes at this time," he said.

Last week, as Nava entered his third day in critical condition, State's Attorney John Barsanti announced the formation of a task force to investigate the teen-organized scavenger hunt, which involved dozens of St. Charles North High School students and led to Nava's injuries.

Authorities also took the rare step of calling a special grand jury, which would decide whether a crime was committed and give prosecutor's the ability to subpoena witnesses.

No one has said exactly what role Nava's recovery plays in the investigation, but it presumably could aid detectives in piecing together what happened.

"We will continue to review it on a daily basis but, at this point, the grand jury is still convened," Hull said. "As of right now, nothing changes."

Attempts to reach Nava's family have been unsuccessful.