Recent high school graduates from Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, killed in I-290 crash

Recent graduates of Schaumburg and Rolling Meadows high schools have been identified as the two people killed early Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 290 in Chicago.
Courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago

Recent graduates of Schaumburg and Rolling Meadows high schools have been identified as the two people killed early Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 290 in Chicago.

Shealyn M. Sherwood, 18, of Hoffman Estates and a 2024 Schaumburg High graduate, and Erik C. Cox, 18, of Rolling Meadows, died in the collision that left three others injured, authorities said.

Officials with Palatine-Schaumburg School District 211 and northwest suburban School District 214 said grief support services will be available for those who need them, even if school is closed for the summer.

Authorities have identified teenagers from Hoffman Estates and Rolling Meadows as the two people killed in a crash early Sunday morning on Interstate 290 in Chicago.
Courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago

“Erik was a wonderful young man with a bright future,” Rolling Meadows director Megan Kelly wrote in a letter announcing Cox’s death. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, and we ask that you keep them in all of your thoughts and hearts during this incredibly difficult time.”

District 211 has declined to publicly share its correspondence with the school community regarding Sherwood's death.

Illinois State Police said the crash happened shortly after 3 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-290 near Damen Avenue. Police did not provide additional details about how the crash happened, but said one of the victims was outside of a vehicle at the time of the collision.

Determinations on the cause and manner of death for Sherwood and Cox were still pending from the Cook County medical examiner's office Monday evening.

The three others injured in the crash were transported to nearby hospitals, authorities said. Their conditions were not disclosed Monday.