Funds Raised For Memorial Scholarship For Man Killed In Hit-And-Run

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL —Funds are being raised for the family of a 24-year-old Island man who was killed Friday night in a hit-and-run crash.

Austin Stanek was hit by the vehicle in the 4300 block of Roberts Road in unincorporated Island Lake at about 10:50 p.m. Friday, according to a news release from the Lake County Coroner's Office. He was taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room.

Stanek graduated from Wauconda High School in 2018. He is being remembered for his love of sports — he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. After high school, he played sand volleyball and golf, according to a GoFundMe set up to help raise funds for a special scholarship that will be set up in memory of Stanek.

As of Tuesday, more than $6,800 has been raised, and Stanek's family has a goal of raising $25,000.

"Austin had a knack for bringing others together, whether they were teammates or just friends hanging out," according to the GoFundMe. "His easygoing nature made everyone feel welcome, and it was impossible to be around him without feeling his positive energy."

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information is asked to call the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office at 815-338-2144.