LAKE COUNTY, IL — Following the death this past week of a north suburban doctor in her ex-boyfriend’s townhome, those closest to Olga Duchon are sayin more needs to be done to address domestic violence.
Duchon, 42, of Vernon Hills, died Sunday night. Her ex-boyfriend,William R. Zientek, of the 400 block of West Russell Street, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death.
Authorities say Zientek hit Duchon in the back of the head twice with a baseball bat before shooting her in the stomach at his townhome in the 400 block of West Russell Street in Barrington, according to ABC 7 Chicago. She later died at a suburban hospital.
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Duchon and Zientek shared a 3-year-old child, who was present during the attack. Police have referred to the fatal shooting as a “domestic-related incident between family members” but no specific details have been released regarding a motive.
Meanwhile, funds are being raised to help Olga’s family and provide financial help for her “cherished daughter,” Isla, who was described as the “light of her life.”
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Yuliya Abushevich, a Vernon Hills woman who organized one of the online fundraisers, says Olga’s tragic death showcases the widespread threat of domestic violence.
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“Tragically, Olga’s life was cut short by an act of domestic violence, a harrowing reminder of the dangers many face in silence. Her loss is not just a personal tragedy; it highlights the urgent need to confront and address domestic violence in our communities,” Yuliya Abushevich of Vernon Hills wrote in the GoFundMe.
She added that anyone who is, or knows someone who is the victim of domestic violence, should speak up.
” You are not alone, and there is support available,” she wrote.
Family, Friends Remember Duchon
Duchon is being remembered not just as an accomplished doctor, but also for her caring and loving personality.
“We are heartbroken to share the tragic loss of our dear colleague, Dr. Olga Duchon,” wrote Maryana Yaremko of Lake Zurich, who has organized a GoFundMe that has brought in more than $40,000 as of Thursday afternoon. “She was not only an exceptional physician but also a genuinely kind and sincere person who touched the lives of many in our community. Her dedication to her patients was unmatched, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”
Duchon founded HLS Endocrinology in Mundelein and completed her endocrinology training at the University of Chicago at the time of the COVID pandemic. She joined Northwestern Medicine after completing her fellowship, returning to practice first at Crystal Lake and Huntley locations before moving “closer to home and family in Mundelein,” according to the HLS Endocrinology website.
Duchon left Northwestern last summer but “remained affiliated with our organization as a member of our medical staff and continued to treat patients independently,” according to statement from Northwestern.
“We are learning about this tragic event in real time and we are devastated to hear this news. Our sympathies go out to her family during this difficult time,” the statement read.
Duchon cared for hundreds of patients throughout her career, according to her obituary.
“Recently, she successfully opened her own practice, continuing her mission to improve the lives of those she served,” according to her obituary.
Duchon also was passionate about traveling, reading, always learning and playing the piano. She was born in Ukraine and held a deep connection to the country and “consistently supported her friends and family there,” according to her obituary.
“Olga was a radiant and generous young woman who had so much to give and so much life to live. Her untimely and tragic passing has left us all in shock, and she will always remain in our hearts and memories as our angel. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her,” according to her obituary.
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