Funeral Services Thursday for Grayslake North Cheerleader, Her Father

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A 15-year-old Grayslake North cheerleader died over the weekend in a crash that also claimed her father’s life.

Haylie Winiewicz and her father, Christopher Winiewicz, 50, both of Lindenhurst, were killed after the car they were in collided with a pick-up truck Route 45 and Route 132 near Lindenhurst around 4 p.m. Saturday. Haylie’s sister, Ashley, 16, was driving the car at the time of the crash and has since been released from the hospital, the family attorney Kim Popovich told the Daily Herald.

Haylie Winiewicz, a sophomore at Grayslake North, is being remembered as a great teammate and wonderful friend following the Saturday crash, the Daily Herald reports.

“She was one of those people who could lift you up when you were down,” Dana Booker, a close friend of Haylie’s family, told the Daily Herald. “For someone so young, she was a really good kid.”

Christopher Winiewicz was a devoted and supportive father to his teenage girls, according to his obituary. He was married to ”the love of his life,” Gina Winiewicz. He worked at Hospira and enjoyed traveling with his family.

Ashley, a junior at Grayslake North, was on the varsity cheerleading team with her sister, Haylie. Both teens also coached for the the Colts JV Cheer team, according to a post on the Grayslake Colts Football, Cheer and Dance Facebook page.

“While Haylie was new to Colts this season, her warm and friendly personality made it easy for her to bond with the team quickly,” according the Grayslake Colts Football, Cheer and Dance Facebook post. Those attending this Friday’s Grayslake North home football game are encouraged to wear purple -- Haylie’s favorite color, according to the Facebook page.

Haylie was a member of the Twisters Elite Cheer & Dance team where she competed at Cheer Worlds three times. Her photo was also featured on the ”Twisters Elite Wants You” banner that has been seen by thousands of spectators at Lake County parades over the years.

“Haylie was one of our most determined and dedicated athletes we’ve ever had on Twisters Elite. Her personality always shined bright and her passion for the sport, our team, and extended family burned strong,” according to a Facebook post on the Twisters Elite Cheer & Dance Facebook page.

An online fund-raiser has brought in over $20,000 to help Gina Winiewicz cover funeral expenses and daily living costs. Those interested in donating can visit the GoFundMe page.

A visitation for Haylie and Christopher will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N. Cemetery Road in Gurnee. A visitation will be held again on Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 15000 Wadsworth Road in Wadsworth. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m.

Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.

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