53-year-old man killed by suspected intoxicated driver in Wheeling crash identified as Wauconda teacher
Robert Gillen
WHEELING, Ill. - A suburban high school teacher is dead following a crash in Wheeling Sunday morning.
At about 2:15 a.m., a suspected intoxicated driver was in the wrong lane and struck another vehicle that was approaching Wheeling Road from westbound Palatine, police said.
The alleged intoxicated driver struck and killed the 53-year-old driver of the other vehicle.
The driver has been identified as Robert E. Gillen.
Gillen was a math teacher and athletic trainer at Wauconda Community Unit School District 118.
The school released the following statement:
"On behalf of the Wauconda Community Unit School District, we are saddened by the unexpected passing of Bob Gillen, a devoted Math teacher, athletic trainer, and colleague. Bob 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. We offer our condolences to Bob’s family and to the students, staff, and faculty members who were lucky enough to know and work with him."
There were two other occupants in each vehicle. One sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.