Authorities are investigating a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two members of a Chicago dance team and left three others injured early Thursday morning.
According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), troopers responded around 1:15 a.m. to a single-vehicle rollover crash in the northbound lanes of the Bishop Ford Freeway near 111th Street. Two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Three others were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Empire Dance founder and CEO Latisha Waters confirmed that all five individuals involved were members of the dance team. Team officials identified the two victims as 25-year-old Lazarus “Hollywood” Gonzalez and 17-year-old Isaiah “Bo” Flemister.
Waters said the group had been together earlier that evening after practice at Hamilton Park and described the loss as devastating for the organization. Dance director Demonica Lee said Gonzalez had been mentoring younger members during practice and was deeply connected to the team.
Illinois State Police reported that investigators believe the driver may have lost control of the vehicle for reasons that remain unclear, resulting in the rollover. The crash remains under active investigation.
Waters stated that one of the injured individuals remains in critical condition, another sustained serious injuries, and a third has since been released from the hospital with minor injuries. Authorities have not released additional details about the cause of the crash as they continue reviewing evidence.
Gonzalez had previously shared his passion for dance in a 2023 interview with CBS News Chicago, describing the team as a family and emphasizing the importance of self-expression through performance. Team leaders say his mentorship had a lasting impact on dozens of young dancers.
Lee said informing the rest of the team about the loss has been especially difficult, noting that many of the group’s more than 50 members looked up to Gonzalez and Flemister as leaders and role models.
Empire Dance is an award-winning organization that frequently performs at community events, including the Bud Billiken Parade. Team officials say the organization will continue supporting its members and families during this time.
Illinois State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Additional details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
