After months of practice, Sarah Goone planned to perform in front of her friends and family Saturday afternoon as part of New Trier Township High School’s spring theater festival.
But instead of celebrating her acting, Goone’s family gathered around her bed at Evanston Hospital, where the 16-year-old underwent brain surgery following a hit-and-run crash Friday afternoon.
“It’s a calamity,” said her grandfather Lowell Goone, who rushed to the hospital Friday after receiving a frantic call from his daughter-in-law. “This was an innocent child.”
The Glencoe sophomore left school Friday following play practice and was struck about 4 p.m. by a sedan as she tried to cross Green Bay Road at Winnetka Avenue, school officials and police said.
The sedan’s driver fled the scene, but Wilmette police stopped a suspect later using witness descriptions of the car, said Winnetka Deputy Police Chief Patrick Kreis.
On Saturday, Erin Hughes, an 18-year-old New Trier student, was charged with failure to report an accident involving personal injury, failure to give information or render aid and failure to exercise due care. She is scheduled to appear in court Monday.
Witnesses performed first aid on Goone and a nearby teacher went with her as paramedics rushed the student to the hospital in critical condition.
“I think it’s fair to say it’s life-threatening injuries,” Kreis said.
Lowell Goone described his grandchild’s condition Saturday as “touch and go,” adding that she was still unconscious. He said the neurologist told the family that doctors wouldn’t know anything definite for several days.
At the school, officials canceled the play in which Goone was scheduled to perform. It was called “Independence.” Instead, students signed a large poster board that had been mounted outside the theater.
In large block letters it read: “We love you Sarah. Get well soon.”
“Sarah is a really sweet girl,” said Asia Szczepanik, a New Trier junior who is also involved in theater. “She loves drama. She loved being a part of this.”
Lowell Goone described his granddaughter as “very intelligent and artistic.” He said he had just seen her last week after her older brother returned home from college.
In addition to theater and painting, she also plays the viola and guitar, her grandfather said.
“She is just a terrific person,” he said.
New Trier Superintendent Linda Yonke sent an e-mail to parents Saturday telling them about the crash. The note said Goone’s teachers and adviser room classmates were notified with the family’s permission. Counselors and advisers will be on hand at the school Monday to talk to students.
Tribune reporters Carlos Sadovi and Andrew Wang and freelance reporter Susan Berger contributed.
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