WAUKEGAN, Illinois – The community of Waukegan is mourning the untimely and tragic loss of Adrian Rogel-Villanueva, a 19-year-old motorcyclist who was killed in a hit-and-run crash early Sunday morning in Beach Park. The Lake County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity on Monday and shared that he succumbed to blunt force injuries sustained in the collision.
The fatal incident occurred around 5:50 a.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the intersection of Green Bay Road and Sallmon Avenue, a relatively quiet stretch of roadway that has now become the center of a criminal investigation into the driver who fled the scene.
The Incident
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a crash involving a motorcycle. Upon arrival, they discovered Adrian Rogel-Villanueva, unresponsive and suffering from extensive trauma. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities also located a damaged Kawasaki sports bike, which, according to investigators, showed clear signs of having been struck by another vehicle. That vehicle, however, was nowhere to be found. Witness accounts and early evidence suggest that the driver responsible left the scene immediately after the collision, failing to render aid or report the crash.
The Lake County Technical Crash Investigations Team is actively leading the investigation. They are analyzing debris left at the scene, reviewing area surveillance footage, and speaking with potential witnesses in hopes of identifying the vehicle and the person behind the wheel.
A Young Life Taken Too Soon
Adrian Rogel-Villanueva was known to many in Waukegan as a bright, humble, and driven young man with a passion for motorcycles and mechanical work. Friends recall him spending countless hours tuning and customizing bikes, eager to learn and even more eager to help others.
“He had this energy that made you feel at ease. He was quiet sometimes, but when he smiled, the whole room lit up,” said a close friend from high school. “He was just getting started with his life.”
Family members, devastated by the sudden and violent nature of Adrian’s death, are now calling for justice and accountability, urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has knowledge about the vehicle involved to come forward.
“This wasn’t just a crash,” said one relative, speaking through tears. “Someone hit him and left him to die alone in the street. We can’t find peace until the person who did this is held responsible.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to gather information and is asking the public for help in solving the case. They have issued a call for any witnesses, nearby residents with home security footage, or anyone who may have seen a vehicle fleeing the area around the time of the crash to contact investigators.
Tips can be provided by calling the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 847-377-4000, or by submitting information online through the sheriff’s official website. Authorities stress that even small details may be critical to bringing the perpetrator to justice.
Community Support and Memorial
As word of Adrian’s passing spread, an outpouring of support began to flood social media. Friends and classmates shared photos, stories, and heartfelt messages, remembering a life filled with potential and extinguished far too soon. Plans for a memorial ride in Adrian’s honor are underway, with local motorcyclists organizing a tribute to commemorate his passion for riding and to raise awareness about motorcycle safety and hit-and-run prevention.
A GoFundMe page has also been created to support the Rogel-Villanueva family with funeral expenses and to help cover any legal fees that may arise as the investigation continues.
Remembering Adrian
In the wake of this senseless tragedy, the Waukegan community finds itself grappling with loss, grief, and anger. But amid the heartbreak, Adrian’s family and friends are choosing to focus on the legacy he leaves behind—his generosity, his quiet strength, his love for life on two wheels.
In Loving Memory of Adrian Rogel-Villanueva (2006–2025)
Gone far too soon, but never forgotten. May your spirit ride free, and may justice be served in your name.
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