Retired Priest Charged In Deadly Hit-And-Run Accident Dies At 74

ORLAND PARK, IL — The retired priest accused of striking and killing one teacher and injuring another in a hit-and-run accident as they were leaving a parish Christmas party in December 2019 has died. St. Michael’s in Orland Park announced that church officials had been informed that Rev. Paul Burak died at age 74 on Sunday.

Burak, a former pastor at St. Michael Catholic Church, was leaving Square Celt at Orland Square Mall on Dec. 4, 2019 where parishioners had gathered for a holiday party. Police said he struck and killed 61-year-old Rone Leja, and injured her friend Elizabeth Kosteck , 54, as they were walking back to their cars. Both women taught at the parish elementary school. Burak continued to drive away in his gold Buick Regal, without stopping to render aid, according to the charges.

The retired priest was arrested a few days later at his condominium in Palos Heights. Partygoers alleged that Burak had been drinking and another parishioner asked him if he was okay to drive. After Burak hit the women with his car, police said a witness snapped a picture of Burak’s license plate. The witness followed Burak and told him to go back to the restaurant. Burak returned and remained at the scene for several minutes, but did not tell police that he had struck Leja and Kosteck, according to the charges.

Retired Priest 'Blacked Out' Before Fatal Hit & Run: Prosecutors

The DUI charges were dropped last year, but the more serious felony charge of leaving the scene of a deadly accident remained. Prosecutors later said the evidence was insufficient to support the DUI charge. Leja’s family and Kosteck also filed lawsuits against Burak over claims of negligence. Burak was placed on electronic monitoring while his case was pending.

Church officials said they were informed of Burak’s death on Jan. 10 by the Archdiocese of Chicago. A parishioner told Patch that the retired priest died in his sleep.

“Please pray for the soul of Fr. Paul and for comfort and peace for his family and loved ones. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon him,” St. Michael’s said in a statement.

Burak was ordained in 1972. He served as an associate pastor at St. Catherine of Genoa and St. Killian parishes. He served as pastor of St. Catherine of Genoa, Our Lady of the Ridge and most recently here at St. Michael until his retirement in 2018. A parishioner told Patch that Burak had died in his sleep.

Funeral arrangements are private. The church asked that notes of condolence may be sent Burak’s family in care of Priests’ Health and Retirement, 1400 South Wolf Road, Bldg 3, Floor 2, Hillside, IL 60162.