Boone County, Illinois — February 24, 2012
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department reports that two teenagers were killed Friday evening when an accident unfolded on State Route 76.
According to reports, the 16-year-old girls who died in the wreck were Belvidere North High School students Brenda Gutierrez and Thalia Arredondo. Police say the females were riding in a Chevrolet Cavalier that was southbound on State Route 76. It appears that the car went out of control and entered the northbound lane of traffic, where it collided with an SUV.
Both Brenda and Thalia suffered fatal injuries in the accident. Also hurt were four occupants in the SUV.
Investigators suspect that slippery roadways caused by the weather conditions may have factored into the incident, though they are continuing to investigate at this time.
Impact Teen Drivers was formed in 2008 to stop reckless and distracted driving among teens. In its mission as an advocate for the victims of traffic accidents, FindMyAccident has partnered with Impact Teen Drivers to protect young drivers in Illinois and across the United States.
UPDATE: Brenda and Thalia were members of the cheerleading team at Belvidere, and the school has been holding events in memory of the girls. On Monday many students wore black to commemorate the loss, while on Tuesday white was worn to celebrate their lives.
A joint funeral is scheduled for Thursday, March 1, following a visitation at Belvidere North High School from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 29. Obituaries for Thalia and Brenda have been made available by the Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home.
Those wishing to contribute financially are encouraged to visit any BMO Harris Bank location and inquire about the account established for “The Perfect Two.” Additionally, a memorial scholarship fund is in the early stages of being discussed, and more information on that development will be released as it becomes available.
UPDATE: A YouTube video tribute to the girls has been viewed more than 18,000 times.
EDITOR’S NOTE: More than six months after this tragic accident, family, friends and acquaintances of Brenda and Thalia continue to comfort one another by sharing their stories and memories. Two separate Facebook memorial pages, RIP Brenda and Thalia and RIP Thalia and Brenda, have created a lasting tribute that has touched us all.
We welcome you to continue to use our site as a resource, in hopes that it provide some small amount of comfort. With the beginning of another school year at hand, the staff of FindMyAccident asks all drivers to exercise utmost caution on the roadway.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Students, faculty, parents and other members of the Belvidere North High School community marked the solemn anniversary of the accident that claimed the lives of Brenda and Thalia. We at FindMyAccident would like to use the opportunity to encourage every motorist to exercise the utmost caution.
UPDATE: The driver of the SUV has been identified as Gonzalo Tellez. He reportedly escaped unhurt.
If you would like an official copy of the police report, request a copy with this form, or call 1-888-509-1888.
