Charges filed against wrong-way DUI driver who killed Vernon Hills man, fitness coach

State police have announced charges against a woman who allegedly drove intoxicated and caused a wrong-way crash that killed a 27-year-old man from Vernon Hills, who was a fitness coach.

The Illinois State Police and Chicago Fire Department responded around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday to Interstate 90 at Cumberland Avenue in Chicago for a vehicle crash with injuries.

Minutes before the crash, numerous motorists called 911 to report a car driving the wrong way on Interstate 90, according to police radio traffic.

The vehicle was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes beginning from at least Arlington Heights Road and heading toward Chicago.

State troopers responding to the area came upon the two-vehicle crash, which occurred just east of Cumberland Avenue in the northbound lanes of Interstate 90 on the left shoulder.

Troopers and paramedics reported one of the drivers was dead. The other driver was reported to be conscious at the scene.

A spokesperson for the Illinois State Police (ISP) said the crash involved two vehicles, a 2008 Volkswagen and a 2012 Honda.

The Volkswagen had been traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 90 when it struck the Honda, ISP said.

The Volkswagen was driven by Jakyla M. Hester, 21, of Chicago.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased victim as Quinn Anthony Fraboni, 27, of Vernon Hills.

Hester was transported to an area hospital with unspecified injuries.

All lanes of northbound Interstate 90 were shut down and traffic was diverted off to the local lanes at Canfield Avenue.

The interstate was reopened around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Hester was arrested by the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 after her release, ISP announced Friday.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges of aggravated driving under the influence causing death, reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence without a valid driver’s license.

She was transported to the Cook County Jail in Maywood pending a detention hearing.

Flexx Personal Training Arlington Heights said in a statement that Fraboni, who was a coach at the fitness center, was “such an amazing person.”

“Yesterday morning, we lost one of the best to do it. We are all in shock and heartbroken. He was genuine, kind, and so hardworking. Everyone he ever came in contact with him can attest that Quinn was the nicest, sweetest guy you could know,” Flexx Personal Training said.

“He was loved by his co-workers and every member he worked with. He had such an amazing impact on so many people. Such a BIG impact that was felt by everyone. His energy and positivity was infectious Quinn always had a smile on his face and always had a special knack to get a smile on your face as soon as you walked through the door,” the statement said.

“He truly was the best and will be forever missed,” the statement added.