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Reward Doubled In Deadly Lake Zurich Hit-And-Run

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. (CBS) -- The amount of reward money has doubled for information about a deadly hit-and-run accident this past summer in Lake Zurich.

As WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports, Lake Zurich police are still trying to figure out who hit and killed Gabriella "Gabby" Drozdz last summer.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports

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Now, Lake County Crime Stoppers and Drozdz's family have increased the amount of the reward from $5,000 to $10,000 for information leading to the driver.

Drozdz, 18, was hit and killed by an unidentified driver in the 100 block of Church Street in Lake Zurich on the evening of July 22, while walking to the local Alpine Festival with friends.

Two friends were also hit by the car, but survived.

The increased reward follows multiple fundraisers, in which some family friends and even strangers ran the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in Drozdz's honor back on Oct. 9. Earlier this month, proceeds from a dance recital at Trilogy Dance in Lake Zurich, this year titled "Dancing for a Star," went toward the cost of a headstone for Drozdz's grave.

There are leads on the van that hit and killed Drozdz. Shortly after the accident, Lake Zurich police Cmdr. Kevin Finlon said evidence left at the scene of the crash has led investigators either to a GMC Safari or a Chevrolet Astrovan. Police say it is a two-tone van, blue with a second lighter color, possibly silver or gray.

The models could have possibly been made between 1985 and 1994, and police say the vehicle involved in the hit and run would have damage to the side turn signal and marker light.

If you have an information about the fatal hit-and-run, contact Lake Zurich Police Deputy Chief Kevin Finlon at (847) 719-1690, extension 6118, or Lake County Crime Stoppers at (847) 662-2222.

A memorial sign with Drozdz's name has been posted at the crash site reminding motorists that reckless driving can kill innocent people.

The Lake County News-Sun contributed to this report, via the Sun-Times Media Wire.

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