Abuzar Zaidi Obituary, Death – A three-vehicle crash in Woodstock on Sunday afternoon claimed the life of a 33-year-old Elgin man and left several others critically injured. The McHenry County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as Abuzar Zaidi, who was driving a 2018 Mercedes-Benz at the time of the collision.
According to an update from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Route 14. Investigators determined that Zaidi attempted to pass a vehicle towing a trailer in a no-passing zone. In the process, his vehicle collided head-on with a 2017 Toyota 4Runner, causing a devastating impact.
Authorities reported that Zaidi was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a 6-year-old boy, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment.
The driver of the Toyota 4Runner, a 43-year-old man from Cross Plains, Wisconsin, also suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Inside the SUV were three passengers: an 11-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, both of whom sustained critical injuries and were airlifted to another medical facility for specialized care. Additionally, a 43-year-old woman from Cross Plains was treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Investigators noted that prior to this crash, the Mercedes-Benz was involved in another collision on Route 14 near Kishwaukee Valley Road. The details of that earlier incident are still under investigation.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances leading to the deadly crash, including whether excessive speed or other factors contributed to the accident.