Teacher killed in head-on crash by suspected drunk driver in suburban Chicago
WHEELING, Ill. (CBS) – A high school teacher from Palatine was killed following a wrong-way crash Sunday morning in Wheeling.
Around 2:15 a.m., a car was headed west on Palatine Road near Wheeling Road, when a vehicle headed east in the wrong lane hit the car head-on, according to police.
There were two people in each vehicle. The driver of the car that was headed west was killed in the crash. He has been identified as 53-year-old Robert Gillen, of Palatine.
One other person suffered a serious, but non-life-threatening injury.
Police said they suspect the wrong-way driver was intoxicated.
The Northwest Suburban Major Case Assistance Team's Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction unit is investigating.
Gillen was a high school math teacher and athletic trainer for Wauconda School District 118.
"Bob has been an active member of the Wauconda High School community since 1996. He dedicated his time to the education of students, the care of athletes, and the growth of colleagues. He loved helping others and was committed to fostering a positive environment for all. Bob leaves a lasting legacy, and his loss will be felt throughout our community," District 118 Superintendent David Wilm said in a statement.