Hickory Hills car crash splits vehicle in half, killing 4 teenagers, police say

HICKORY HILLS, Ill. (WLS) – A balloon release and memorial honor the lives of four teenagers who were killed in a car crash in suburban Hickory Hills on Saturday afternoon.

“They were babies, 17,16,15, like that, it’s not a way to end their life for temporary enjoyment you might say,” said Jocelyn Gonzalez, a friend of the victims.

Family members of those who lost their lives said the teenage driver of this Mercedes SUV lost control just before 2:30 p.m. at 89th Street and 85th Court.

A total of six teenagers were inside the SUV when it crashed into a tree, splitting the vehicle in half. Only two survived, the driver and the front passenger.

Two of the teens died at the scene and two more died in hospital, officials say

Family members identify those who lost their lives as Omarion Rieves, Jemerrio Rieves, Nathan Phillips and Destini Guerra. The Cook County medical examiner did not disclose the identity of the victim.

All of the victims were under 18.

The two Rieves boys were brothers.

“I know it’s difficult when people have to bury a child, but bury two at the same time,” said Leontyne Walker, who lost two sons in the crash.
She remained on standby for their call.

“Usually they check in and when I don’t hear anything, as a mother you feel like something is wrong,” Walker said.

The teens all caught up too early.

“Omarion was supposed to start football camp tomorrow. He just took his senior photos,” she said.

For the moment, the authorities have not specified the cause of the accident.

“They were just trying to have fun but it’s not worth it because look now, we are here. Now I have to bury my two boys,” Walker said.