Family and friends are mourning the death of a 38-year-old man, who was a “devoted” father of three young children and a U.S. Air Force veteran, following a motorcycle crash in Crystal Lake.
The Crystal Lake Police Department and Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department responded around 8:45 p.m. Saturday to the area of Route 14 and Dole Avenue in Crystal Lake for a vehicle crash with injuries.
Officers arrived and found the crash at Route 14, also known as Virginia Street, and Lakeshore Drive, according to Crystal Lake Deputy Police Chief Richard Neumann.
The crash involved a single vehicle — a 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle, which was only occupied by the operator.
Neumann said a preliminary investigation shows that the motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Route 14 near Lakeshore Drive.
The motorcycle left the roadway for unknown reasons and the driver was ejected in the crash.
McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein identified the driver as Andrew Anderson, 38, of Warrenville.
Anderson suffered life-threatening injuries, Neumann said.
A 911 caller reported Anderson was on the ground and not moving. A medical helicopter was placed on standby but canceled.
An ambulance transported Anderson to Northwestern Medicine Hospital in McHenry where he was pronounced dead.
A portion of Route 14 was shut down for approximately two and a half hours while a crash investigation was conducted, Neumann said.
Rein said an autopsy was performed on Anderson on Tuesday.
A witness told Lake and McHenry County Scanner he believed the crash was the result of operator error. “It was dark, street lights were on, not a whole lot of traffic, but he did appear to be speeding.”
“Looked like he tried to take a shortcut right turn through that corner lot and caught some debris which looked like the remains of an old base for a sign post, & it sent him sailing. The driver was motionless and from what I could see unresponsive. The motorcycle looked in worse shape,” the witness said.
Anderson leaves behind a wife and was a father of three young children. He was also a combat veteran of the United States Air Force and a firefighter.
Creech Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services, based in Nevada, said it was “with a heavy heart” to share the news of Anderson’s death. They called him a devoted husband, proud combat veteran of the United States Air Force, dedicated firefighter and loving father “who was taken from us far too soon.”
“Andrew spent his life in service to others, first in the military and then as a firefighter protecting his community. He was known for his kindness, strong work ethic, and the deep love he had for his wife Stephanie and their three young children,” the fire department said.
“Stephanie now faces not only devastating grief but also the sudden financial burden of raising their children alone. Funds are needed for funeral costs, daily living expenses, and ongoing care for the kids,” the fire department said.
A GoFundMe account was established and has raised over $64,000 as of Wednesday.
Anthony Miceli, who established the fundraiser, said Anderson spent his life serving and protecting others.
“His absence leaves an unimaginable void in their lives,” Miceli said, adding that Anderson was the sole provider for his family.
Meghann Trapp said in a social media post that she was “in shock” to find out that Anderson died. The two served together in Aviano, Italy, she said.
“I am in shock right now but I cannot imagine the heartache his wife and sweet babies are feeling. Please pray for his family and friends. RIP Andy,” Trapp said.
Funeral services have not been announced yet.
Neumann said the crash remains under active investigation by the Crystal Lake Police Department.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the Crystal Lake Police Department at 815-356-3620.
Anonymous tips can also be sent to the Crystal Lake Police Department by texting the word CLPDTIP along with the tip information to 847411.