15-year-old boy killed in hit-and-run crash near Crystal Lake

A teenage bicyclist was killed when struck by a hit-and-run driver Wednesday night near Crystal Lake, authorities said.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said the teen was one of two 15-year-old boys riding bikes along Terra Cotta Road near Deering Oaks Lane when a southbound vehicle struck him from behind at about 9:34 p.m. and fled the scene.

The teen was pronounced dead at Northwestern McHenry Hospital, police said. The McHenry County coroner’s office later said he died from blunt force injuries.

Authorities have not identified the boy, but a woman posted on Facebook that he was her son and “I pray that they find” the driver.

Officials on Thursday afternoon said they are looking for a dark-colored, possibly red, 2017 or 2018 Jeep Cherokee, as a possible suspect vehicle in the crash.

The sheriff’s office is asking the public, local body shops and/or dealerships to contact investigators if they come across a dark 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee with front end damage. Tips can be phoned in to (815) 338-2144.

That area where the crash occurred is just north of Crystal Lake, northwest of where routes 31 and 176 intersect.