Lake County Gazette

Lake County Sheriff's crash investigators are examining a Christmas Eve accident that resulted in the death of one man after a vehicle collided with a home in the 21300 block of West Engle Drive, unincorporated Lake Villa.

According to a Lake County Sheriff's Office news release, deputies responded to a call at 7:25 p.m. on December 24. Upon arrival at West Engle Drive, they discovered significant damage to both a Jeep and the residence.

The release indicates that preliminary investigations show Marcos Corona-Vargas, 31, from Round Lake Beach, was driving eastbound on West Engle Drive. Witnesses reported that the Jeep veered into the westbound lane before returning to the eastbound lane. The vehicle then left the roadway on the south side, entered a yard, and collided with a home. Investigators noted that the home was unoccupied at the time.

A 22-year-old man from Round Lake Beach, who was seated in the front passenger seat of the Jeep, sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another 22-year-old man from Round Lake Beach, who was in the backseat, suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Corona-Vargas also sustained serious injuries and received medical attention at a local hospital.

The Sheriff's traffic crash investigators determined that Corona-Vargas was under the influence of alcohol during the incident. The Lake County State's Attorney's Office has approved charges of reckless homicide and driving under the influence (DUI) against him following an initial review of the case facts. Once Corona-Vargas completes his medical treatment, he will be taken into custody by the Lake County Sheriff's Office and transported to Lake County Jail.

The news release states that the Lake County Coroner's office responded to conduct an autopsy on the deceased passenger. The Technical Crash Investigations Team from the Lake County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into this incident. It is emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.