BOONE COUNTY, Ill. — Chloe Verni-Lau, 19, was killed in a fatal head-on crash involving Shaquan Hayes, 28, late Friday night on Spring Creek Road in Boone County. Hayes, who authorities said was intoxicated while driving, was arrested and booked into the Boone County Jail following the collision.
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened at approximately 10:54 p.m. Friday on Spring Creek Road.
Investigators said Hayes was driving a Ford Taurus when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with an oncoming Toyota. The impact caused significant injuries to those inside the Toyota.
Three passengers in the Toyota were hospitalized with serious injuries following the crash. Verni-Lau was also critically injured and was later pronounced dead at approximately 11:42 p.m.
An autopsy was conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials determined that Verni-Lau died from multiple blunt-force trauma sustained in the crash.
For Chloe’s family, friends and loved ones, the news of her death has brought unimaginable grief. At just 19 years old, she had so much of her life ahead of her, with dreams to pursue, experiences to enjoy and countless memories still waiting to be made.
Her sudden death has left those closest to her facing the painful reality of a future without her presence. Birthdays, holidays, family gatherings and important milestones will now carry a sense of loss for those who expected Chloe to be there.
The crash also left three other people seriously injured, adding to the devastation caused by the collision. Their hospitalization underscores the severity of the crash and the lasting impact it has had on everyone involved.
Hayes suffered minor injuries in the collision. He was subsequently booked into the Boone County Jail on charges of DUI causing death and driving under the influence.
The incident serves as a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving. A decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated can have irreversible consequences, affecting not only the driver but also innocent people and entire families.
For Chloe’s loved ones, however, she will always be remembered as more than a victim of a tragic crash. She was a young woman with her own personality, relationships, memories and dreams. Those who knew her will carry those memories with them as they mourn her loss.
Her life may have been tragically shortened, but the impact she had on those around her will not disappear. The memories she created will continue to live on through family and friends who loved her.
As they face the difficult days ahead, Chloe’s loved ones may find comfort in remembering the moments they shared with her and the person she was.
May Chloe Verni-Lau rest in eternal peace. May her family and friends find strength and comfort during this heartbreaking time, and may her memory remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
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