A family spring break vacation ended in tragedy for a St. Charles family with the death of a teenager and critical injuries to his sister, following a car crash in Indiana. Riding in a vehicle with his family on Interstate 65, Jordan Laskowski, 14, was pronounced dead at a hospital after the crash that occurred near mile-marker 135, as reported by NBC Chicago. His 12-year-old sister Riley was listed in critical condition, with the family's vehicle mishap ejecting both siblings.
The Laskowski family, also including Jordan's mother, grandmother, and 8-year-old sister Gracie, who all survived the incident, were driving back home from their spring break trip when the single-vehicle crash happened. Jordan's father, Scott Laskowski, shared his heartbreak, stating, "I wanna say goodbye to him. I wanna hold him. I need five more minutes with my son." Scott emphasized the importance of seatbelt use, given that "Everyone that was wearing a seatbelt survived," in a statement obtained by NBC Chicago.
Back in St. Charles, the community at Wredling Middle School is mourning the loss of Jordan, a young teen whose dreams of becoming an electrician were matched by his passion for football. He was set to play for St. Charles East's team next season. According to NBC Chicago, an online fundraiser has since raised enough to cover funeral expenses and support his brother Riley's ongoing hospital care.
Scott Laskowski, Jordan’s father, issued a heartfelt plea to other parents in the wake of the tragedy, saying, “Definitely wear your seatbelt, no matter what. And tell every parent, hold your kid and tell them you love them.”
The bond between Scott and Jordan was cemented through a shared love of sports. In an interview with ABC7 Chicago, Scott reflected on naming his son after his childhood hero, Michael Jordan. “He was just like me,” he said. "Loves sports. Huge, die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. His name is Jordan. Michael Jordan was my hero growing up, so, that's why I named him.”
