Chicago woman facing DUI charges in deaths of recent grads from Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg high schools

A Chicago woman is facing felony DUI-related charges in the death of two northwest suburban teens who were hit by the woman’s car while the teens were changing a tire on the side of the road.

According to court documents in the case, at around 3 a.m. Sunday, a pair of 18-year-olds were in a car that was driving westbound on Interstate 290, the Eisenhower Expressway, when the vehicle got a flat tire. They pulled over on the side of the road to repair the tire – with the hazard lights flashing – and were struck by another vehicle.

A third person who was in the car with them was not hit.

The teens have been identified as Erik Cox, 18, of the 2200 block of Theda Lane in Rolling Meadows, and Shealyn Sherwood, 18, of the 600 block of Mohave Street in Hoffman Estates. They were pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

They both had only weeks before graduated from high school.

Cox graduated from Rolling Meadows High School on May 21, a Township High School District 214 spokeswoman confirmed.

Sherwood had been a graduating senior at Schaumburg High School, according to a Township High School District 211 spokeswoman. Commencement was held May 20.

Ashanti Gates, 21, of the 1200 block of South Keeler Avenue, in Chicago, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, a Class 2 felony; reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony; misdemeanor child endangerment; and was cited for other traffic violations, according to the Illinois State Police – whose troopers responded to the scene of the collision.

Court records explain that Gates had four passengers in the car she was driving, including her 4-year-old son. She was speeding and did not have on headlights as she struck the teens on the side of the road. Authorities said Gates was also intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level more than double the .08 legal limit.

Gates, her young son and one of her passengers were all transported to area hospitals for treatment of injuries, according to ISP.

Then on Monday, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office approved charges against Gates, ISP officials said.

The 21-year-old appeared in court Wednesday at Leighton Criminal Courthouse on 26th and California. Court documents indicate she was placed on electronic monitoring and is due back in court later this month.

Rolling Meadows High School is part of Arlington Heights-based Township High School District 214. Even though the school year has ended, officials sent a notice to families following the fatal collision.

“It is with profound sadness that I share with you the unexpected passing of 2024 Rolling Meadows graduate Erik Cox,” RMHS Principal Megan Kelly stated in the notice. “Erik was a wonderful young man with a bright future. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, and we ask that you please keep them all in your thoughts and hearts during this incredibly difficult time.”

District families were told of support services available, including administrative staff being accessible.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help Cox’s family with funeral expenses, according to the online effort.

At Palatine-based Township High School District 211, where Sherwood attended Schaumburg High School, district spokeswoman Erin Holmes would only say that student services staff are available at all five SD211 high schools for anyone needing support.

Freelancer Elizabeth Owens-Schiele contributed.