Hit-And-Run Driver Fatally Strikes School Board Member Riding Bike

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A hit-and-run driver fatally struck a local school board member as she rode her bike on Friday in Highland Park, officials said.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to the intersection of Deerfield and Piccadilly roads for a report of a cyclist struck by a car.

Officials said the driver had left the scene before police or fire crews arrived, leaving the cyclist, later identified as Deerfield Public Schools District 109 board member Maureen Wener, severely injured.

Wener was taken to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, according to Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering and the Lake County Coroner's Office.

The preliminary results of an autopsy indicate that Wener died as a result of blunt force injuries.

Wener was elected to the District 109 school board in 2021 and served as its secretary. She previously served as a Deerfield Public Library trustee and worked in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Superintendent Mike Simeck said in a message that his thoughts were with the son and husband Wener leaves behind, describing her death as a devastating loss for the community.

"Maureen cared deeply about our schools and the students we serve. Earlier this week, she took part in 8th grade promotion exercises, handing Caruso students their diplomas. Maureen’s ready wit, optimism, and affection for our staff punctuated all of her conversations," Simeck said.

"We have lost a passionate advocate for our schools, a beloved mother and partner of many of our staff, and a giving community member."

Police have not provided any descriptions of suspect vehicles or other information about the case. They asked anyone with information about the crash to contact the police department by phone or email.

Earlier: Cyclist Struck By Car On Deerfield Road In Highland Park