Driver Fleeing At 107 MPH In Crash That Killed Hersey Teen: Cops

WHEELING, IL — A 30-year-old Wheeling man is accused of speeding away at more than 100 mph from a minor traffic accident when he crashed into the car driven by a 16-year-old John Hersey High School student Saturday, starting the chain of events that injured six people and eventually cost the girl her life, according to police. Adam Grunin, 30, of the 500 block of Manda Lane, faces a charge of reckless homicide, and his bond hearing is Wednesday afternoon, Wheeling police said in a statement.

Alyssa Lendino, of Mount Prospect, died from her injuries following the crash near the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Hintz Road, which was about a half-mile from the site of Grunin's original property damage accident, police said. Four of Lendino's relatives also were passengers in the Chevrolet Equinox the teen was driving.

According to police, Grunin was driving a 2014 Hyundai Sonata south on Milwaukee Avenue at around 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21, and was allegedly fleeing the scene of minor property damage crash in the 400 block of that street. Lendino was stopped at the Milwaukee-Hintz intersection when Grunin, who allegedly was traveling at about 107 mph, hit her vehicle from behind, police said.

RELATED: Hersey Student-Athlete Dies After 3-Car Crash In Wheeling

That crash sent her car into the intersection, where it was struck by a Toyota Tundra making a left turn from eastbound Hintz Road onto northbound Milwaukee Avenue, authorities said. Firefighters needed to extricate passengers from two of the three vehicles involved in the accidents.

Lendino was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where she was later pronounced dead. Six other people — including Grunin — also were taken to nearby hospitals and treated for their injuries.

Grunin was taken into custody after he was released from the hospital, and he has refused to cooperate with investigators, police said. Wheeling police has been helped by the multi-jurisdictional Major Case Assistance Team, and investigators have interviewed numerous witnesses and reviewed video of the crash, according to authorities.

A GoFundMe campaign was started Monday to help raise money for Lendino's family. With a goal of $5,000, the fundraiser has earned more than $21,000

"This page is dedicated to Alyssa Lendino, a truly wonderful girl who always had the brightest smile on her face and the kindest heart," the GoFundMe page states. "We wish to ease some of the difficulties that the Lendino family is facing right now by helping to cover any expenses that have arisen. … Alyssa was a beacon of light in the lives of everyone she met, her family deserves peace at this time, so please give what you can and feel free to leave a message here."

Go to the GoFundMe page for the Lendino family to donate.

WATCH: Wheeling police released a video of Saturday's accident that claimed the life of a 16-year-old John Hersey High School student. The dashboard camera footage captures the accident from the opposite direction. (WARNING: Violent, disturbing footage. Viewer discretion advised)

MAIN PHOTO: Alyssa Lendino, 16 (Photo via GoFundMe)

SECONDARY PHOTO: Adam Grunin (Photo via Wheeling Police Department)