Update: Statement from Family of Man Killed in Wadsworth Bus Rollover

Update, 5:30 p.m. Saturday

The family of Philip Smith, 62, of Beach Park, who was killed Friday morning when his Jeep Wrangler collided with a school bus carrying Newport Elementary students near Wadsworth, has released the following statement:

An entrepreneur, Philip Smith, 62, of Beach Park, had owned several businesses, primarily in construction, and he could build nearly anything. 
Smith built two planes and a glider at his home, and he was building another plane. He confidently flew his two-seater planes. He took his brother-in-law for his first and only plane ride in one of his small home-built aircraft.

Smith was hands-on and outdoorsy, and he always had a new interest or project. At one time, he built three pigeon coops for homing pigeons in his backyard. He was a regular at the hardware store, his family said, then added, “all of them.” Smith, who grew up in Beach Park and Winthrop Harbor, built several homes in Zion and his own home in Beach Park. He had many varied interests and liked to read all kinds of magazines.

He was a great cook, and he enjoyed preparing meals for his family and friends. Although those who knew him called him by the nickname “Grump” because of his taciturn nature, they also said he was the first to offer an “Atta boy” or “Good job, kid.” He spoke his mind, saying what needed to be said in a few words, but also was thoughtful. He carefully chose gifts and often surprised loved ones with a magazine subscription or something else he knew they would enjoy.

Smith was married for 19 years to Lisa (Davis) Smith, formerly of Antioch, and the father of two daughters, Tracy Paulsen and Cassidy Smith, and the grandfather of Stephanie Smith. He enjoyed spending time with his girls doing active things.

Smith planned to attend the Jeep Jamboree in Aspen, Colorado, in August. He was driving a distinctive yellow Jeep he bought and customized for his wife as a Christmas present, but he had built his own custom Jeep for the Jamboree.
The family appreciates the concerns and condolences expressed by family and friends during this difficult time.

Update 4 p.m. Friday

The motorist involved in a school bus crash Friday morning near Wadsworth has been identified as Philip Smith, 62, of Beach Park, who was pronounced dead at the scene, reported the Lake County News-Sun.

Smith's Jeep Wrangler was struck by the school bus headed to Newport Elementary at about 8 a.m. Friday.

The initial investigation shows the bus traveling westbound on Route 173 as a Jeep Cherokee was heading eastbound. Smith's Wrangler was traveling southbound on Kilbourne Road when they converged at the fully-signaled intersection at nearly the same time, reported the Daily Herald.

There apparently are conflicting witness statements on which vehicle had the green light and the right of way.

Thirty-five students in kindergarten through fifth-grade were on the bus at the time of the rollover, reported the News-Sun. Of those, 24 were taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and are in good condition.

Updatate 10:45 a.m. Friday

A rollover crash involving a school bus and two vehicles at Route 173 and Kilbourne Road in Newport Township at about 8 a.m. Friday morning has left one person dead.

CLTV has several videos on its website.

The bus was loaded with about two dozen kindergarten through fifth-grade students headed to Newport Elementary School, none of whom have serious injuries, reported the Chicago Tribune.

Twenty-three students were taken by another school bus to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, while 13 other children were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries, reported WGN News.

The driver of one of the vehicles involved, a Jeep Wrangler, was pronounced dead at the scene with a second victim taken to the hospital, reported the Daily Herald.

Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran said the female bus driver may have run a red light prior to colliding with the two SUVs, reported the Tribune.

Route 173 was shut down between Route 41 and Delaney Road while Kilbourne has been shut down south of Russell Road, reported the Daily Herald.

Update 9:45 a.m. Friday

Officials are reporting that no children have been seriously injured in the Wadsworth school bus accident, according to ABC news.

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that one adult, who was in a car, is dead, due to the crash.

9:30 a.m., April 5

A school bus filled with children from Newport Elementary School overturned this morning at Route 173 and Kilbourne, in Wadsworth, according to ABC news. 

One child may be injured, according to ABC news. 

Emergency crews, ambulances and police and fire departments from a dozen surrounding areas reponded.