Funeral services are set for a Grayslake man who died after he crashed his motorcycle into a car in North Chicago as his family remembers him for being a talented drummer and “truly one of a kind.”
The North Chicago Police Department and North Chicago Fire Department responded around 12:08 a.m. on May 7 to Route 41 and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in North Chicago for a vehicle crash with injuries.
Fire crews arrived and found a two-vehicle crash involving a car and a motorcycle.
Emergency crews reported there was heavy damage involved and the rider of the motorcycle was down on the ground.
Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton identified the victim as Rodolfo Suris, 36, of Grayslake.
North Chicago Assistant Police Chief Gary Lunn said the crash occurred just north of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive along Route 41 in the northbound lanes.
A police report said a 2021 BMW motorcycle and a 2021 Kia sedan were traveling northbound.
The BMW motorcycle struck the rear of the Kia and Suris was ejected from the motorcycle.
Paramedics rushed Suris to Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital for treatment of his serious injuries. Lunn initially said Suris was reported to be stable in the hospital.
Lake and McHenry County Scanner was told that Suris remained hospitalized but was in critical condition at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
Newton said that Suris died in the hospital’s intensive care unit on the evening of May 13.
An obituary for Suris said he was a talented drummer whose love for music reflected his “vibrant personality.”
“He found freedom on the open road riding his motorcycles and was known by everyone who loved him as fun-loving, active, and full of life. His laughter was unforgettable, and his larger-than-life personality brought countless memories to those around him,” his family said in his obituary.
Suris leaves behind his parents, four siblings, nieces and many other extended family members and friends.
“Rudy’s presence was truly one of a kind. Though his time here was far too short, the love, laughter, and happiness he shared with others will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered,” his obituary said.
A preliminary coroner’s investigation determined Suris died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries as a result of the crash.
The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) was called to the scene to assist with evidence collection during the investigation, Lunn said.
No one else was injured besides the motorcyclist. Impairment was not suspected to be a factor, the report said.
The driver of the Kia remained at the scene and cooperated.
Lunn said that a preliminary investigation indicates speed may have been a factor in the crash.
A visitation is set for 4-8 p.m. Friday at Strang Funeral Chapel in Grayslake. A memorial service will then begin at 6 p.m. Friday.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by MCAT and the North Chicago Police Department.