‘Much Is Unknown’ After Crystal Lake Teen Suffers Brain Injury In Crash

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A Crystal Lake family is asking for community support after 15-year-old Jack Beatty suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in an e-bike crash last week.

Beatty was involved in a vehicle crash while riding his bike Wednesday, Aug. 5. He was flown to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, where he was placed in a medically induced coma so doctors could monitor his brain injury, according to a GoFundMe set up to help support the family and cover medical expenses.

• Child Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries In E-Bike Crash Near Crystal Lake

The crash happened around 1 p.m. Aug. 5 near Walkup Roadand Dvorak Drive, in front of Prairie Ridge High School, while the school was holding Distribution Day for students, according to the Lake & McHenry County Scanner.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said Beatty was traveling west on his e-bike and failed to yield as he crossed Walkup Road, where he was struck by a northbound 2017 Ford C-Max. The 66-year-old driver was not injured and is cooperating with investigators.

• Teen Seriously Hurt After E-Bike Fails To Yield Near Crystal Lake: Police

Witness Bill Atella told Lake and McHenry County Scanner he saw the crash and described it as a “horrifying accident,” while another witness said someone she knew stayed with Beatty and called 911.

The family has launched a fundraiser to help cover Beatty’s medical expenses and the ongoing care he may need following the crash. “While much is unknown as of now,” Jack’s father, Joe, and stepmother, Chelsea, plan to remain by his side as much as possible to support him through his recovery, according to the GoFundMe.

Jack is described by his loved ones as a bright and thoughtful teenager with a sarcastic sense of humor and a strong loyalty to his family. He is a protective older brother who enjoys reading to his younger twin sisters and playfully annoying his younger sister, Lila, according to the GoFundMe, which as raised more than $60,000 as of Wednesday.

He also enjoys learning different languages, studying geography, playing games with his dad and spending time with his grandparents.

Joe and Chelsea Beatty own and operate Dark Heart Tattoo in Crystal Lake, where they both work as tattoo artists. According to the GoFundMe, they expect to miss significant amounts of work as they remain with Jack and help him through his recovery and rehabilitation.

“Any amount helps more than you know,” the family said in its fundraising appeal. “Thank you all so very much, from the bottom of our hearts.”

• Those interested in donating to the GoFundMe can do so here

The family is asking the community to help offset medical and other expenses associated with Jack’s recovery.