Authorities have identified a 37-year-old man, who was a father of five kids, killed after a car pulled out in front of his motorcycle and crashed into him Monday in Waukegan.
An autopsy showed that Francisco M. Quiroz, Jr., 37, of Waukegan, died of blunt force trauma from a vehicle collision, according to Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper. Toxicology results are pending.
The Waukegan Fire Department and Waukegan Police Department responded around 6:50 p.m. Monday to the area of Jackson Street and Keith Avenue for a crash with injuries.
Officers found a serious crash between a Kawasaki motorcycle and a Toyota Camry, Waukegan Police Commander Joe Florip said.
The Waukegan Police Department’s Traffic Division was called to investigate due to the seriousness of the incident.
Traffic investigators believe the Kawasaki, driven by Quiroz was traveling southbound on Jackson Street at a high rate of speed approaching Keith Avenue.
The Toyota was stopped at the stop sign facing westbound on Keith Avenue at Jackson Street.
“As the Toyota attempted to cross Jackson Street, the Kawasaki could not stop and struck the passenger side of the Toyota,” Florip said.
Quiroz did not have a stop sign but investigators believe that the speed of the Kawasaki was the main contributor to the crash, Florip said.
Quiroz was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Florip said that Quiroz was wearing a helmet and the driver of the Toyota, a Waukegan man in his 70s, was wearing his seatbelt.
The man driving the Toyota has not been issued any citations and is cooperating with police.
“Always a nurturing and hard-working man, Francis was very family-oriented and adored his four girls and son immensely. His favorite pastime included riding his bike; Spending quality time with his children; and, hanging out with his longtime friends,” his obituary read.
Quiroz leaves behind four daughters and a son.
“Franks’ greatest pride and joy in his life was celebrating his many accomplishments no matter how big or small. He lived his life doing the things he loved with the people he loved. He was a wonderful example to the people around him and until the very end of life, left a legacy of undying love for his children,” his obituary added.