Casimir Ries Obituary, Death – Authorities have confirmed that a Lake Zurich man was killed early Saturday morning after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a busy intersection. According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, the fatal crash occurred around 12:40 a.m. at the intersection of Route 12 and Deerpath Road in Lake Zurich. Officials said the victim, identified as 59-year-old Casimir Ries, was walking northbound through the intersection when the collision happened.
Investigators reported that Ries was either in or near the marked crosswalk at the time. A 2018 Lexus SUV, traveling east on Route 12, struck him as he attempted to cross. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene, but Ries was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
The driver of the Lexus did not flee the scene. Authorities noted that the motorist stayed to cooperate with investigators as they began reconstructing the events leading to the crash. Police have not released the driver’s name, and no citations or charges had been announced as of the latest update.
An autopsy conducted over the weekend confirmed that Ries died from blunt force injuries caused by the impact. These findings align with what investigators initially believed after surveying the scene.
The Lake Zurich Police Department, together with the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team, is handling the ongoing investigation. Officials are working to determine whether factors such as vehicle speed, lighting, or pedestrian visibility played a role in the collision. Weather conditions at the time of the crash have not been cited as a contributing factor.
The intersection where the crash occurred is a well-traveled corridor in Lake Zurich, connecting residential neighborhoods with commercial areas along Route 12. Community members who live nearby have often raised concerns about pedestrian safety along the route, noting that while crosswalks exist, heavy traffic during both daytime and overnight hours can create hazards for those on foot.
As news of Ries’ death spread, residents expressed sorrow for the loss and sympathy for his family. Longtime neighbors described him as a familiar face in the community. His sudden passing underscores the dangers pedestrians face, even when using designated crossings.
Authorities have stressed that their investigation is far from over. Specialists with the crash assistance team are expected to review surveillance footage from nearby businesses, examine the Lexus for mechanical issues, and reconstruct the trajectory of both the vehicle and pedestrian at the time of impact. These findings will help determine whether any charges will ultimately be filed.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office emphasized that pedestrian fatalities are a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of individuals who travel on foot, particularly at night. Even marked intersections, they said, cannot always guarantee safety when traffic is flowing at highway speeds.
Ries’ death marks another tragic incident in a string of pedestrian fatalities reported across the region in recent months. Safety advocates continue to call for improvements such as enhanced street lighting, pedestrian signals, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws aimed at protecting those on foot.
Meanwhile, Ries’ family is left mourning the sudden loss of a loved one. At 59, he was still actively engaged in his community, and his death has left a deep impact on those who knew him. The Lake County Coroner’s Office expressed condolences to his family and reiterated that their office will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.
For now, police are urging anyone who may have been traveling along Route 12 near Deerpath Road around the time of the collision to come forward if they witnessed anything that could aid investigators. Even seemingly minor details, officials said, could prove valuable.
The case remains open as the Lake Zurich Police Department and Lake County investigators work toward answers, with the hope of providing clarity to Ries’ grieving family and ensuring accountability if any wrongdoing is established.
