A Lake Zurich man, who was described as a “generous, humorous soul,” has been identified after he was killed in a motorcycle crash with a dump truck on Route 53 near Arlington Heights.
The Palatine Fire Department and Illinois State Police responded around 1:29 a.m. on July 21 to Route 53 near Rand Road in Arlington Heights for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.
Multiple 911 callers reported a motorcycle crash in the northbound lanes with the unresponsive rider ejected into the southbound lanes, south of Rand Road.
The state police said the crash involved the motorcycle and a dump truck.
The male driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene, the state police said. Route 53 was shut down for approximately six hours.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim on Monday as Alexei Perciuleac, 37, of Lake Zurich.
Radu Perciuleac, the brother of the victim, said Alexei was a “generous, humorous soul, true friend and brother, always ready to help” and left an indelible mark on others’ lives.
“More than a childhood friend full of shared adventures, he was a pillar of strength and vitality,” Radu Perciuleac said.
Alexei Perciuleac immigrated from Moldova to Chicago in 2008 where he built a new life.
Perciuleac was passionate about carp angling and was a member of the American Carp Society. He was named Angler of the Month in June 2024.
Perciuleac was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast. “His deepest love was for his family in Moldova,” Alexei Perciuleac said.
The man’s family is working to bring his body back to his homeland.
A GoFundMe account to raise money for the repatriation and funeral costs has raised over $30,000.
Brandon Kim, a close friend, said Perciuleac was more than just a fishing buddy. He said he was like the little brother he never had.
“He was a true companion, and an adventurous spirit who made every outing an unforgettable journey together,” Kim said.
“Alex will be deeply missed by us all and will leave a hole in our carping community hearts,” he added.