Police say investigators believe the driver of a car was at fault in a crash that left a motorcyclist dead after his motorcycle caught fire and he was trapped underneath a car in Waukegan.
The Waukegan Police Department and Waukegan Fire Department responded around 9:15 p.m. Monday to Green Bay Road and Sunset Avenue for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries and fire.
A Lake County sheriff’s deputy came upon the crash while on patrol, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
The crash involved a passenger car and a motorcycle and resulted in the motorcycle being engulfed in flames.
The motorcyclist was trapped underneath the car following the collision, which occurred in the intersection.
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the operator on Wednesday as Jose Rodriguez, 31, of Waukegan.
Covelli said the sheriff’s deputy worked with a Waukegan police officer and the good Samaritans to lift the car and remove Rodriguez from underneath.
Waukegan first responders performed lifesaving measures on Rodriguez, who was unconscious and not breathing.
Rodriguez was rushed by ambulance to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan where he was pronounced dead, Banek said.
Banek said Rodriguez was pronounced in the emergency room of the hospital.
An autopsy performed on Tuesday showed Rodriguez died as a result of blunt force injuries in the crash.
Officers shut down the intersection of Green Bay Road and Sunset Avenue for several hours while investigators worked at the scene.
Waukegan Deputy Police Chief Scott Chastain said an investigation showed the sedan was traveling westbound on Sunset Avenue, attempting to turn onto Green Bay Road.
The driver failed to yield to the motorcycle, which was traveling eastbound on Sunset Avenue, causing the collision between the two vehicles, Chastain said.
The motorcycle was laid down and Rodriguez slid and was struck by the sedan, trapping him underneath it.
No citations or charges have been announced yet. The crash remains under investigation by the Waukegan Police Department Major Crash Unit.
An obituary for Rodriguez said he was a “beloved son, brother, grandson, partner and friend” whose presence will be “deeply missed.”
“Jose was a proud graduate of Waukegan High School and earned a technical associates degree from College of Lake County. He was dedicated to his work, most recently serving as an Industrial Logistics Coordinator at CEJN in Gurnee,” the obituary said.
“Jose previously worked at Norlead for three years, where he was known for his strong work ethic and reliability. Jose had a lifelong love for baseball, playing from childhood to Highschool. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed watching UFC fights. Jose also found peace in taking long walks with his beloved dog, Luke,” the obituary added.
Funeral services were held for Rodriguez on Friday and Saturday.