HIGHLAND PARK, IL, (May 16, 2026) – A tragic two-vehicle collision Saturday afternoon in Highland Park claimed the lives of a toddler and an elderly driver, according to local authorities.
The Highland Park Police Department said the crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. at the intersection of Illinois 41 and Park Avenue W. Investigators determined that a 2026 Hyundai Sonata traveling north on Route 41 collided with a 2006 Toyota Sienna that was turning south onto the highway from Park Avenue.
Police identified one of the victims as 21-month-old Andre Paz of Round Lake, who was riding as a rear passenger in the Hyundai. Andre sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The driver of the Toyota, a 73-year-old woman from Wilmette, was extricated from her vehicle by emergency responders before being taken to the hospital. Authorities said she later succumbed to her injuries.
A third individual involved in the crash suffered unspecified injuries.
The Major Crash Assistance Team of Lake County assisted Highland Park police with the investigation while Route 41 remained closed for several hours as crews processed the scene and cleared damaged vehicles.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
