Family Of Hit-And-Run Victim Asks For Public's Help
LAKE ZURICH, Ill. (CBS) – The Lake Zurich family of Gabby Drozdz on Sunday asked for the public's help in tracking down the motorist who fatally struck the 18-year-old as she walked with two friends.
Drozdz died after a light-colored SUV hit her as she walked southbound on the shoulder of Church Street at about 9:15 p.m. Friday. The vehicle sped away, likely with some visible signs damage, police say.
"It's a huge loss. It's hard to fathom. It's like a nightmare you can't wake up out of," the teen's brother, Scott Grzelak, told CBS 2's Dana Kozlov outside the family's home.
"We just want to know who did this," he added.
Earlier Sunday, friends of the popular high school graduate gathered at the scene of the hit-and-run, where a memorial was constructed in her honor.
Drozdz had been walking to a local community festival with two friends. Her two companions received minor injuries. One of them, Rosie Fitts, was still shaken and described her friend's last moments.
"I looked and see that Gabby, she's not moving. She has blood coming off her face. And I held her hand and I prayed and I told her, 'Gabby, I love you so much.' And I prayed to God she'd be OK," Fitts told reporters.
Drozdz never regained consciousness after she was hit but did not suffer, her stepbrother said. Paramedics who worked on the teen en route to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead, Grzelak said.
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Drozdz had graduated early, in January, and was preparing to attend junior college to begin nursing studies.
"She was a smart kid. She devoured books," Grzelak said. "She was smarter than me and she was 10 years younger."
The family had heard little new information about the investigation, he said. Police told them the vehicle left pieces of evidence behind.
"Were still anxiously awaiting that phone call to hear some good news," Grzelak said.
The Lake Zurich Police Department asks people with information to call (847) 438-2349.
