
A 20-year-old man working for USIC has died after he was struck by a vehicle while performing utility line location work along the roadway in Huntley Monday afternoon.
The Huntley Fire Protection District, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and Huntley Police Department responded around 3:09 p.m. Monday to the area of Main Street and Coyne Station Road in Huntley.
Huntley Deputy Police Chief Linda Hooten said it was reported that a male was struck by a vehicle while completing work along the roadway.
The Huntley Fire Protection District arrived and found the victim was unconscious and not breathing. They began performing lifesaving measures.
The victim, identified as Joseph Zephries, 20, of Huntley, was rushed to Northwestern Medicine Hospital in Huntley, Hooten said.
Zephries was later pronounced dead at the hospital as a result of his injuries.
Main Street between Charles Sass Parkway and Coyne Station Road was closed for approximately five hours Monday evening.
The Huntley Police Department and Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team (K-CART) conducted a preliminary investigation into the crash.
Investigators learned the vehicle, a 2023 Kia Forte, was traveling eastbound on Main Street, Hooten said.
Hooten said the Kia struck Zephries, who was on the south shoulder of the road completing utility line location services with USIC.
“The USIC family conveys our deepest condolences and offers our support to his family and friends during this difficult time,” a spokesperson for USIC told Lake and McHenry County Scanner.
“We are working closely with investigators as they review the incident,” the spokesperson said.
The driver of the vehicle, a 27-year-old Chicago man, remained at the scene and has cooperated with investigators.
Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash, Hooten said.
No charges have been filed yet as the full crash reconstruction investigation has not been completed.
Police said drivers are reminded about Scott’s Law, otherwise known as the “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to slow down and move over if possible when approaching any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated on the side of the roadway.
“The Huntley Police Department extends our condolences to the families involved and our whole community as we grieve this loss,” Hooten said.