Downers Grove North Volleyball Player Struck by Vehicle: ‘Please Celebrate Her Life’
Photo Courtesy of the Downers Grove Patch
16-year-old Downers Grove North (DGN) volleyball player, Elizabeth Dunlap was struck by a vehicle around 11 a.m. on Feb. 19. The incident took place outside the school near the intersection of Main and Grant streets, according to the Daily Herald website. The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and has been charged with “one count of Felony Aggravated DUI-Alcohol/Drugs and one count of Felony Reckless Driving,” according to a press release on www.dupageco.org.
Principal Janice Schwarze informed the community of the incident via email and relayed a message from Dunlap’s father. “They have determined that Beth has unrecoverable injuries. We are in the process of making final arrangements. We are asking for no more visitation for Beth. We will follow up with funeral arrangements. Beth appreciates the love and prayers that everyone has offered. Please continue to pray for Beth and celebrate her life,” he said.
After news of her injuries were made public, other athletes, students and staff began to do 18 push-ups to show solidarity and support for her jersey number, 18. Hashtags “#bethstrong” and “#18for18” were also created to show support for the victim.
“This just hits different. I have nothing but endless prayers for the Dunlap family and the entire DGN community,” said Downers Grove North alumna, Sarah Jaworski.
Mark Wasik, volleyball coach at Downers Grove North, took to Facebook to also share the news. “As some of you may have heard, a DGN student was senselessly hit by an intoxicated driver as she was crossing the street to enter school. We are saying goodbye to her tonight as her injuries are unrecoverable and her family has had to make the decision to take her off life support. Let your loved ones know how much you love them as tomorrow is never promised.”
The incident remains under investigation and the Downers Grove Police Department is working closely with the Dunlap family and DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. The driver of the vehicle is currently in custody, according to www.dupageco.org.
