New details on van in Lake Zurich fatal hit-and-run

Police released photos Friday of what they believe is the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash last week that killed an 18-year-old Lake Zurich woman.

Lake Zurich police Cmdr. Kevin Finlon said investigators are now looking for a two-tone GMC Safari or a Chevy Astro van in connection with the July 22 crash in the 100 block of Church Street, just north of Jamie Lane.

The van is blue with a second lighter color, possibly silver or gray, Finlon said. Police on Thursday said pieces of the vehicle left at the scene traced back to the GMC and Chevy models.

The year of the van is between 1985 and 1994, Finlon said, and the vehicle involved will have damage to the side turn signal and marker light.

Police have installed an electronic sign near the crash scene informing passing motorists of the search and asking for help.

Gabriella Drozdz was killed when she and two friends, Rosie Fitts, 16, and Vanessa Fitts, 18, were hit from behind by the vehicle as they walked on the shoulder of Church Street at about 9:30 p.m. July 22. The Fitts sisters survived the collision.

Authorities say the vehicle had an Illinois license plate mounted on the rear hatch. It was last seen driving erratically on eastbound Route 22 near Quentin Road.

Anyone with information is asked to contact either Finlon at the Lake Zurich Police Department, (847) 719-1690 ext. 6118, or Lake County Crime Stoppers at (847) 662-2222.

Family members are also working to put together a reward fund, and have set up the website, gabbydrozdz.com, seeking help identifying the hit-and-run driver.

In the meantime, dozens of friends and family of Drozdz gathered for a wake and memorial service Friday at a Lake Zurich funeral home. A funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Parish, 135 S. Buesching Road, in Lake Zurich.