The Mundelein Police Department said it is mourning the loss of one of its police officers, who was 28 years old and dedicated his life to serving and protecting, after he died in a motorcycle crash in McHenry.
The McHenry Police Department and McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded around 1:16 a.m. Sunday to the area of Charles J. Miller Parkway and McHenry Avenue for a report of a single-vehicle crash with injuries.
McHenry Police Department Public Affairs Officer Ashley O’Herron said a passing motorist stopped to call 911 and also flagged down an IMG Ambulance Company ambulance that happened to be driving past.
A preliminary investigation determined a green 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 motorcycle was traveling westbound on Charles J. Miller Parkway.
McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein on Tuesday identified the driver as Paul Viduya Jr., 28, of McHenry.
The Kawasaki left the roadway and ejected Viduya, who was the sole occupant and operator, O’Herron said.
The motorcycle was found in the eastbound lanes of travel on Charles J. Miller Parkway and Viduya was located in the center median.
O’Herron said lifesaving measures were attempted but Viduya was pronounced dead at the scene by the McHenry County Coroner’s Office. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Mundelein Village Administrator Eric Guenther announced on Sunday that a member of the Mundelein Police Department had “passed away suddenly and tragically while off duty.”
“Right now, our focus is on supporting the family of this individual and respecting the family’s privacy while they grieve the loss of their loved one,” Guenther said while not immediately identifying the officer.
Mundelein Police Chief Jason Seeley said Tuesday that it was “with profound sadness” to have to honor the life of Viduya, who died unexpectedly.
“Officer Viduya dedicated his life to serving and protecting the Mundelein community. His unexpected passing is a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, fellow officers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Seeley said.
“Rest easy, Officer Paul Viduya Jr. Your service, sacrifice, and commitment to your community will never be forgotten,” the chief added.
The Vernon Hills Police Department said in a now-deleted social media post that their “thoughts and prayers are with our partners at the Mundelein Police Department during this difficult time.”
“We stand beside you and offer our heartfelt support to your officers, staff, families, and the entire community,” the department said.
Viduya began his career with the Mundelein Police Department as a community service officer before graduating from the law enforcement academy and becoming a police officer with the department in September 2022.
Viduya previously worked as a community service officer with the Wauconda Police Department from February 2018 until November 2019. He had been a member of the Wauconda Police Department’s police explorer program.
“Our thoughts are with Officer Viduya’s family, his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, and the entire Mundelein community as they grieve this heartbreaking loss. We hope they find comfort in the love, support, and memories that will continue to honor his life and legacy,” Wauconda Police Department Public Information Officer Heather Cognac said.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family of Mundelein Police Department Officer Viduya and his brothers and sisters at Mundelein PD. We are so sorry for your loss,” the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.
No funeral arrangements have been announced yet but Seeley said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
The McHenry County Regional Crash Assistance Team responded to the crash scene to assist in the investigation.
The team consists of police officers from the McHenry Police Department, Woodstock Police Department, Spring Grove Police Department, Harvard Police Department, Cary Police Department, Johnsburg Police Department, Lake in the Hills Police Department and Richmond Police Department.
There were no witnesses to the crash, O’Herron said. An autopsy performed Tuesday showed Viduya died as a result of blunt force injuries.
Charles J. Miller Parkway was closed for approximately four hours while the investigation was conducted, O’Herron said.
Anyone who has information related to the case is asked to contact the McHenry Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 815-363- 2599.
Those wishing to pass along anonymous information are asked to call the McHenry Police Department’s tip line at 815-363-2124, which does not use caller ID.