Samuel Alfaro Acevedo Obituary, Death –Arlington Heights police continue to investigate Monday’s crash that took the life of a 16-year-old Rolling Meadows High School student from Mount Prospect who died after his e-bicycle collided with a pickup truck.
Township High School Dist. 214 on Tuesday released the name of the teenager identified as Samuel Alfaro Acevedo. Arlington Heights police reported the incident just before 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of S. Reuter Drive and W. Grove Street. Police said their initial investigation indicates Acevedo, who was not wearing a helmet, was riding an e-bicycle northbound and ran a stop sign, striking a gray 2021 Ford F-150 in the rear passenger door at an estimated speed of 30 to 40 miles per hour.
The teenager was transported to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge with serious traumatic injuries and pronounced dead at 10:06 p.m.
The driver of the truck, the sole occupant, was uninjured and is not suspected of impairment, police said. No citations had been issued as of Tuesday morning and Pinnello said that the driver was cooperating with police.
The intersection on Grove Street was closed for several hours for evidence collection and scene investigation. The Arlington Heights Police Department traffic crash investigators, reconstructionist specialists, and forensic technicians continued to investigate the crash.
In a statement by Rolling Meadows High School Principal Megan Kelly, “Our school is grieving the heartbreaking loss of one of our students, Samuel Alfaro Acevedo, who died in a tragic accident last night. Samuel’s passing has deeply impacted his classmates, teammates, teachers, and all of us who are part of the Rolling Meadows High School community. We ask that you keep Samuel’s family in your thoughts and hearts at this incredibly difficult time.
“We recognize that moments like this touch every corner of our school, and we know our students, staff, and families are hurting. Counselors, social workers, and members of our Student Services team will be available today and in the coming days for any student who would like to talk or process their feelings. We have also made specific spaces available in our building for students to meet with our team.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, we encourage you to check in with your children at home, to listen with care, and to remind them that it is okay to seek help. We recognize that our students will need support in the coming days and weeks ahead. Our Mustang community is strongest when we lean on one another, and together we will honor and support each other as we grieve this terrible loss. As our community mourns, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Samuel’s family.”
Arlington Heights village trustees also approved an ordinance regulating electric bikes and scooters at their Monday, Sept. 15 village board meeting almost simultaneously when the crash occurred.
An autopsy is being conducted by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
