Funeral services are set for a 21-year-old Algonquin man, who was a Huntley High School graduate, who died in a crash after a car turned in front of his motorcycle, as his family remembers him for his “smile that could light up a room.”
The Sleepy Hollow Police Department, Elgin Fire Department and Rutland Dundee Fire Protection District responded around 6:48 p.m. on April 21 to the intersection of Randall Road and Technology Drive in Sleepy Hollow for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.
Officers arrived and found a heavily damaged 2024 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2023 Subaru Forester.
Caden J. Palka, 21, of Algonquin, was the driver of the Yamaha motorcycle, police said.
Palka was rushed to Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
A preliminary investigation showed that Palka was traveling southbound on his motorcycle on Randall Road.
The Yamaha struck the Subaru, which had been traveling northbound on Randall Road attempting to turn onto westbound Technology Drive, police said.
The driver of the Subaru, a 22-year-old Sleepy Hollow woman, was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police officials said an early investigation indicates that speed and aggressive or reckless driving may be contributing factors.
The Sleepy Hollow Police Department activated the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team to assist with the crash investigation.
Randall Road was closed for the crash investigation for approximately four hours before being reopened just after 11 p.m.
The Elgin Police Department, Kane County Sheriff’s Office and Kane County Office of Emergency Management also assisted at the scene.
An obituary for Palka said he graduated from Huntley High School and was currently working as an apprentice operator in construction.
Palka was going to flight school to be a commercial pilot.
“Caden had a smile that could light up a room and was always happy and upbeat. He loved dirt biking and gaming and brought energy and joy wherever he went. He was an amazing son, brother, nephew, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” his obituary said.
He leaves behind his mother and mother, two siblings, grandparents and many other family members.
A visitation is set to be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday with a funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home in Huntley.
“Though his time with us was far too short, Caden’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who loved him, and his spirit will forever ride free and soar above,” his obituary said.
The Algonquin Argonauts, a youth football and cheer program, said Palka spent his youth playing football with the Argos and continued on to Huntley High School where he left an impact on teammates, coaches and all who knew him.
“Please keep the Palka family in your thoughts and prayers, and surround them with support and compassion in the days ahead,” the Algonquin Argonauts said.
“This is a loss no family should ever have to endure. The passing of a child is an unimaginable heartbreak, and our thoughts are with the Palka family as they navigate this incredibly difficult time,” the organization added.