Tiffany Thomas Obituary, Death;- The coroner has disclosed the identity of a woman who tragically lost her life after being struck by a hit-and-run vehicle while walking in Waukegan on New Year’s Day.
Emergency services from the Waukegan Police Department and Waukegan Fire Department responded to the scene at approximately 4:45 a.m. on Wednesday, near the intersection of Lewis Avenue and Jenkinson Court.
A 911 caller reported an individual lying unresponsive in the street. Upon arrival, paramedics and officers discovered a 44-year-old woman who had been hit by a vehicle, as stated by Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek. Coroner Banek confirmed that the woman, identified as Tiffany Thomas, 44, from North Chicago, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors indicated that investigators sought surveillance footage and initiated the use of the Flock license plate reader system. A vehicle in the vicinity at the time was flagged as a potential suspect based on debris found at the crash site.
Authorities located the vehicle, which exhibited significant front-end damage, a cracked windshield, and a missing side mirror, according to prosecutors. The side mirror was recovered from the crash site and was found to match the vehicle. Prosecutors reported that the driver had left a New Year’s Eve gathering after being seen drinking and was intoxicated.
The suspect confessed to driving home alone and being involved in an accident, mistakenly believing he had struck a raccoon. The suspect has been arrested, and charges are forthcoming. Lewis Avenue was closed between Monroe Street and Washington Street for a minimum of five hours while the investigation was conducted.
