COOK COUNTY, Ill. — A Fishers High School student died and four other juveniles were taken to the hospital after a crash in the Chicago suburb of South Holland early Saturday morning, according to Illinois State Police and school officials.
Illinois state troopers were called to a single-vehicle roll-over crash on Interstate 94 at around 5 a.m. Investigators said the car was headed south on the ramp from I-94 onto Illinois 394 when it left the road, hit a light pole and rolled into the embankment.
Jake Reibel, who transferred from Hamilton Southeastern to Fishers High school, died in the crash. Illinois State Police said the driver and three passengers, all of whom are juveniles, were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.
The juveniles who were injured have not been identified by authorities, however, an HSE spokeswoman told 13News that in addition to Reibel, other students were involved in the crash. She did not indicate which school the other students attended.
Police have not released who was driving or what may have led up to the crash.
HSE Principal Janie Ulmer sent a letter to families Saturday night telling them about the crash and offering her condolences to Reibel's family.
"It is with deep regret that I share with you that one of our former students, Jake Reibel, died in a car accident this morning. Our school community is sending their thoughts to the Reibel family as we are deeply saddened by this sudden loss," Ulmer said.
Reibel played football at HSE as a freshman before transferring to Fishers High School, where he was a sophomore.
The school district's crisis response team will be available to students and staff throughout the week at both high schools.
The school district said information about funeral arrangements will be shared with the district when they become available.
Reibel's family is also working out plans for a celebration of life. His father is asking anyone who has photos or video of Jake to share them with him on Facebook messenger or via Instagram.