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Illinois man was allegedly driving under the influence when he crashed into a home, killing his passenger

By FOX 32 Digital Staff
Published  December 25, 2024 9:24am CST
Lake County
FOX 32 Chicago

The Brief

    • Marcos Corona-Vargas, 31, of Round Lake Beach, has been charged with reckless homicide and DUI after crashing his vehicle into a home in unincorporated Lake Villa, killing one passenger and injuring another.
    • The crash occurred around 7:25 p.m. on West Engle Drive when Corona-Vargas veered off the road, striking a yard and crashing into an unoccupied home.
    • A 22-year-old front-seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, while another 22-year-old passenger sustained serious injuries. Investigators determined Corona-Vargas was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - An Illinois man has been charged with reckless homicide and driving under the influence after his vehicle crashed into a home Tuesday evening, killing one passenger and injuring another, authorities said.

Lake County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 7:25 p.m. to the 21300 block of West Engle Drive in unincorporated Lake Villa, where they found a heavily damaged Jeep and significant structural damage to the home.

According to investigators, Marcos Corona-Vargas, 31, of Round Lake Beach, was driving east on West Engle Drive when he crossed into the westbound lane, returned to the eastbound lane, and then veered off the road. 

The Jeep struck a yard before crashing into the home, which was unoccupied at the time.

A 22-year-old front-seat passenger, also of Round Lake Beach, suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another 22-year-old man from Round Lake Beach, seated in the back, sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Corona-Vargas was seriously injured and taken to a hospital. Traffic crash investigators determined he was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges of reckless homicide and DUI against Corona-Vargas. Upon completion of his medical treatment, he will be taken into custody and transported to the Lake County Jail.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office is scheduling an autopsy for the deceased passenger.

The crash remains under investigation.

Lake CountyNewsCrime and Public Safety