The Northwestern College has lost a cherished and “driven rising leader” in a tragic accident. Last Sunday, the Lake Bluff Police Department responded to a report of a multiple-vehicle crash just before 5 a.m. on Sunday northbound Route 41. The responding officers found two cars involved in a front-end collision and while one driver was taken to an area hospital with significant injuries, the other, a 20-year-old student manager for the Northwestern women’s basketball team, had passed away.

Britney Perez, a sophomore at Northwestern University in Evanston who had a strong passion for sociology, business, and education, was identified to have died on the scene in the collision. What is even more heartbreaking are the details of the accident as disclosed by the Lake Bluff police.

A police investigation determined one of the vehicles was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 41 when the crash occurred. Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) investigators learned Perez was the driver of a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, which was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 41. Early investigations say that Perez was suspected to have been impaired at the time of the crash.

The other vehicle was a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by a 45-year-old man, who was traveling northbound on Route 41 at the same time, according to MCAT. As the police officers arrived on the scene, they pulled Perez from her vehicle following the crash and she was pronounced dead. Officers searched the vehicles and crash site and confirmed there were no other passengers in either car.

The Northwestern Women’s Basketball released a statement on X following the tragedy. “The Northwestern Women’s Basketball family mourns the loss of student manager Britney Perez, who tragically passed away last weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. 💜” 

Meanwhile, friends of the Perez family have organized a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses. This has been done in order to support her dad Juan, mom Sonia, sister Wendy, and brother Johnny in this difficult hour. The campaign has already raised $30,456 as of Saturday, March 1.

Perez has been described as a vibrant and “outgoing spirit” who touched the lives of everyone she interacted with. “She would come into any space with her lip combo always on lock, a set of custom nails, fresh lashes, and topped it with a fantastic fit. It was hard not to notice her presence and be in awe that you were in the same room. She truly was a ray of sunshine,” the GoFundMe page organized by Erica Salazar, read.

An autopsy on Perez on Monday showed she died from blunt force injuries in the crash according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.

Perez was originally from Texas and most recently living in Evanston. She was one of the Student Ambassadors of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation in 2023.

The description with a photo of her at the Foundation reads, “Britney Perez is an ambitious and driven rising leader who is set to embark on an exciting academic journey at Northwestern University. With a strong passion for sociology, business, and education, Britney wants to make a meaningful impact in the lives of underprivileged students by establishing an organization dedicated to promoting positive youth development and educational empowerment.”

Just earlier this month, four University of Essex students lost their lives in a crash, including two talented Essex Rebels players, Anthony Hibbert and Daljang Wol.

After Northwestern Women’s Basketball tweet, social media has been filled with tributes, with friends and people who knew Britney sharing heartfelt messages and photos to remember her.

Tributes pour in following the tragic passing of Britney Perez

Prayers and support are pouring in for the Perez family during this incredibly difficult time. A fan took to X to offer their support, saying, ” Deepest condolences to the @nuwbball family and to all of Britney’s family and friends.”

Along similar lines, another user poured in her thoughts, “The deepest condolences to the @nuwbball family and to all of Britney’s family and friends.”

Head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team also stood by the Perez family by offering them her support, “Praying for you and your family…RIP💜” 

As the investigation into the tragic accident continues, the community of Evanston has come together to support each other through this tough time. The campus has set up counselors and support groups to help both students and faculty cope with this heartbreaking loss. The campus ministry said students who wished to talk to someone can do so by contacting them via phone or visiting the Sheil Catholic Center in Evanston.

Meanwhile, another user commented, “Such a tragic loss. RIP Ms. Perez”. The incident remains under investigation by MCAT and the Lake Bluff Police Department.

Our hearts go out to Perez’s family and friends during this incredibly tough time. May her soul rest in peace.