88-year-old man dies days after Oak Lawn crash caused by cars racing

An 88-year-old man died Friday morning, two days after he was involved in a crash caused by street racing in southwest suburban Oak Lawn.

The two-car crash happened about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday in the 4700 block of 99th Street, according to Oak Lawn police.

Eugene Hewitt, 88, was alert and talking after the crash, but was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn for injuries to his wrist and hands, Oak Lawn Police Division Chief Randy Palmer said in an email.

Hewitt died at Christ at 12:06 a.m. Friday, according to the medical examiner’s office. An autopsy Friday determined he died of complications of multiple injuries related to the crash, and his death was ruled an accident.

The other driver was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, street racing, reckless driving and damage to village property, Palmer said. The crash remains under investigation.