A state employee, who was a “cherished” member of Jesse White’s tumbling team, has been identified as the victim who “tragically” died when his motorcycle collided with an SUV in Mundelein Monday.
An autopsy performed Tuesday showed Jeff Williams, 34, of Evanston, died as a result of blunt force injuries as a result of a vehicle crash, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.
The Mundelein Police Department and Mundelein Fire Department responded around 5:25 p.m. Monday to Route 45 and Route 83 in Mundelein for reports of a vehicle crash with injuries.
Multiple people called 911 to report the crash and that one person, later identified as Williams, was not breathing, according to fire department radio traffic.
Police officers and firefighter/medics arrived to find a Suzuki motorcycle and a Honda Pilot SUV involved in the crash at the entrance and exit of the BP gas station on Route 45 just north of Route 83.
The Suzuki was driven by Williams, who was ejected in the crash, police officials said.
Rescue personnel immediately began lifesaving measures on Williams, according to radio traffic, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A tarp was placed over the man’s body, which was lying in the northbound lanes of Route 45.
Due to the severity of the crash, the Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) of Lake County was requested to the scene, police officials said.
All lanes of Route 45 between Route 60 and Route 83 were shut down and surrounded by crime scene tape while MCAT investigators worked the scene.
The Honda sustained damage to its front and rear driver’s side doors, while the motorcycle was totaled.
Parts of the motorcycle and the Honda were left scattered on the roadway.
Investigators were seen entering nearby businesses to gather witness accounts, marking the roadway with spray paint, taking measurements and deploying a drone for aerial photos.
Route 45 was reopened at around 8 p.m., over two and a half hours following the collision.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and took possession of Williams for the autopsy.
Williams worked as an employee with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.
He was also a member of the Jesse White Tumbling Team, which is an acrobatics team created in 1959 to provide a positive alternative for inner-city kids.
Former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who founded the tumbling team, said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened by the tragic passing” of Williams.
“Jeff was a cherished member of the Jesse White Tumbling Team and a dedicated employee in the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. He was a kind, hardworking young man who touched many lives and deeply loved his family,” White said.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to Jeff’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. He will always be a part of the Jesse White Tumbling Team family, and he will be deeply missed,” he added.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ Office told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that Williams was a “valued member” of the team and they were “deeply saddened” by his death.
“Jeff was a dedicated public servant whose kindness, professionalism and commitment to serving the people of Illinois left a lasting impact on our office and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the secretary of state’s office said.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jeff’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered,” they added.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the Mundelein Police Department and MCAT.