Classic Cinemas Woodstock XQ

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Uploaded on: August 8, 2026

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On November 25, 2025, a 62-year-old Crystal Lake man named Jack T. Smerecky unexpectedly fell in the darkness in one of the auditoriums of the Woodstock XQ.

Authorities confirmed that the man was sleeping while a movie was playing. When he woke up, he was alone in the auditorium, and the credits had already rolled. The entire auditorium was pitched black, the temperatures are freezing, and the lighting along the stairs was switched off. He attempted to utilize his phone, which wouldn’t activate because his phone was dead. While trying to find the exit, the man slipped and broke his hip. He crawled to the exit and was found by another person. He was transported by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District to a nearby hospital but was later transferred to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. While being treated, Smerecky underwent surgery to stabilize his hip and leg. Eventually, his leg was placed in a contraption designed to keep traction on it. However, days later, Smerecky suffered a pulmonary embolism and died from his injuries.

Chicago’s FOX affiliate WFLD-TV confirmed that his death was ruled as an accident not by McHenry County, but by the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office two counties to the west. In April 2026, his family filed a lawsuit against Classic Cinemas and the management at the Woodstock XQ, which Classic Cinemas (aka Tivoli Enterprises Inc.) A spokesperson at Classic responded: “At this time, Classic Cinemas wishes to express its sincere condolences to the family. However, we cannot provide any further comment or information given the pending litigation”.