Timothy Toczylowski Obituary
The man who perished following a home explosion in Lake Zurich on Tuesday night has been identified by authorities on Friday. Dental records were utilized by the Lake County coroner to confirm the man’s identity as 77-year-old Timothy Toczylowski.
Firefighters were alerted to the explosion at 23549 N. Overhill Road around 8:28 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the Lake Zurich Fire Department. Mark Schultz, a resident of the neighborhood, described the intensity of the flames, noting that trees were catching fire and branches were falling on firefighters. He emphasized the dangerous nature of the situation.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the house completely engulfed in flames. They worked swiftly to contain the fire and evacuate nearby residents. Emanuel Hernandez, another resident, recounted the suddenness of the explosion and the chaos that ensued. He mentioned the rapid escalation of events.
Due to the absence of hydrants in the unincorporated neighborhood, firefighters initially faced challenges in extinguishing the fire. Additionally, difficulties arose in shutting off the gas lines, as the gas meter was destroyed, necessitating assistance from NICOR to turn off the gas and extinguish the flames. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the recovery of Toczylowski’s body from the debris.
Neighbors shared their impressions of Toczylowski, describing him as a retired individual who kept to himself.
They recalled his interactions during school fundraisers and his kind demeanor. Ulises Hernandez’s home security system captured the explosion, causing his son and a friend to flee.
The footage depicted the moment of the blast and its impact on the surroundings.
