Praying for the families and loved ones of the two men who died in this tragedy and for those injured to recover.

Rip Bart and Zachary died

Tragic. My office is right there and all the roads are dead ends with not many reasons to be back there that late. Sad and scary and still looks like they have a big mess :(

So Sad.just a guess but probably just drag racing.cant think of any other reason to be side by side.

Our prayers go to the families. This tragedy could have been avoided if Will County and New Lenox police department's had acted on the several complaints for the drag racing that goes on those streets constantly. This area businesses have complained sereral times, and are concerned that another accident is bound to happen because of those careless drivers. Pulling onto the street from business's parking lots is always a challenge for fear that one of those reckless drivers will come tearing down the street at great speeds and not be able to stop.This occurs daytime and night time. They have already dragged one car from the retention pond, and now those young mens lives. What more will it take for something to be done ?

My heart goes out to the family and friends of these young men. My prayers to the 3 young men injured and suffering.

This is a very tragic accident. I'm sure as Ms. Langford has mentioned it was a popular spot for racing and the police were informed by the business owners in the area. Nonetheless a tragedy has occurred and it's human nature for you, I or any human being to want to hold someone accountable. Please realize that young males have been racing their cars since the creation of the gas engine and always will.

As far as doing something to prevent it.....well hind sight is 20/20. Take
for example the recent rash of wrong way drivers down the highway. It's easy to say if there were gates that would allow you to enter from only one direction. Or those retractable spikes in the road that allow traffic in one direction. Several people would still be alive today. This has occurred I believe seven times since the new year?

Please don't blame authorities for a tragic accident that in the end was
the result of poor judgement fueled by fast cars...maybe a little beer (only speculation) and testosterone. it's not fair to blame law enforcement for not sitting there 24/7 making sure that nobody is racing there. Take note of the time 2am. I doubt there were a lot of people entering and exiting businesses.I am truly sorry for such a tragedy and the loss of what I'm sure were two fine young men.

My heart goes out to their families.However the role of law enforcement is " to serve and protect " and not " we're here to follow you around on a day to day basis and assure you make the right decisions " If nothing else let this be a reminder to young people all over to think long and hard before deciding to do something that can either alter your way of life forever or even worse end it.

Rest assured that there will probably not be too much racing activity there anymore. Unfortunately it didn't take barriers or speed bumps or even a twenty four hour guard. It took the lives of two young men and has forever changed the lives of the survivors. Will it eliminate the chance of this ever happening again? Somewhere else. Down a different road? In a perfect world maybe.

I Would like to say that Zach was an amazing young man and a great person to be around. He is loved and will not be forgotten by many people. I will always remember Zach's beautiful smile and his kind ways.
My family and I are sending prayers and healing thoughts to Zach's family and everyone who loved him.
The Hines Family, Jackson, Michigan.

Tragic loss. Lives have been changed now and forver. Thoughts and prayers for strength and healing for those lost and for those suffering. One of lifes hardest lessons learned for many on that horrifc night....and the days to come. Peace and forgiveness are needed for all. My heart aches.

Take for example this story that ran last summer. Again New Lenox lost one of their own......I've cut and pasted the last line of the article.
New Lenox Man’s Body Found In Lake Near Gary
"A witness said she warned the man and his friends that swimming would be dangerous before they went in."

The police can't be everywhere, all the time. They have things to do also. If the police had started watching that area, they would have just drag raced somewhere else. Its a shame, but its the truth. In my youth I used to street race in Joliet and New Lenox, and I had some serious fast cars. Anytime we knew the police were in route, we left and went somewhere else. The fact is, it is dangerous anywhere you go, and there are way more stupid people in the roads that you shoule be afraid of. There are a lot more drunks and people who are driving illegally on the roads than there are people drag racing, who would you rather the cops look out for? These guys killed themselves, they didn't take out an entire family, be thankful for that. I feel bad for the families, they have lost their sons, think about them!!!

When many complaints were made, it should have been apparent that there was a problem, and either the village or township should have taken measures to stop this . Speed bumps would have clearly been a great deturrant.The police know this area to be a problem, and could at least ride through once in a while, and nobody said they should be there 24 hours.With the problems increasing on theft and breakin's , the industrial parks have great potential for crime and theft . There is nothing now that can turn the clock around and return the lives of these young men, but let us take future cautions so this doesn't happen again. Drag racing occurs on a daily bases in this area, and knowing this should increase patrols.

Let's not start laying blame on this horrific accident. It was simply bad judgement on the part of 5 young men that resulted in an unforseen ending. People make mistakes every day. My famiy's hearts and prayers go out to Bart and Zach and their families. May God give comfort and peace to all those affected and let Bart and Zach's memories never fade. They were two very fine young men. May God rest their souls. In rememberance of Bart, I can only say "Let's go Packers". You will be deeply missed by all.

JimmyMac, you obviously don't have any children...I know all of these boys and they are ALL GOOD BOYS! They come from good families. They just made a bad decision. One, I'm sure they will regret for the rest of their lives. But to say that they were stupid....how cruel can you be? These boys have good parents and good friends who will miss them. If you can't say anything good, then you should just SHUT YOUR BIG MOUTH!

I would like to send my prayers to Zach and Bart's families and also to Mike, Billy and Pat's families. This is a very hard time for all of you. Please know that we are here for you all if you need anything.

r.i.p to my beautiful cousin bart </3 its almost been one year ):