A Johnsburg man who died after being ejected into a wooded area during a motorcycle crash in Bull Valley was a father of six and had a grandchild on the way, as his family says he will be remembered.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded around 10 p.m. on August 7 to the 800 block of Cherry Valley Road in Bull Valley for a report of a vehicle crash.
A 911 caller reported finding a motorcycle crashed in a ditch south of Bull Valley Road, according to emergency radio traffic.
The sheriff’s office said a preliminary investigation shows that a 2019 Honda Fury was traveling northbound on Cherry Valley Road.
McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein on Friday identified the driver as Donald Reeves, 63, of Johnsburg.
The Honda failed to negotiate a curve on Cherry Valley Road, exited the roadway to the east and struck a large rock.
Reeves, who was the sole occupant of the motorcycle, was ejected and came to rest in a wooded area, sheriff’s officials said.
Paramedics arrived and found Reeves unconscious and not breathing. They started lifesaving measures, including CPR.
Reeves was transported by ambulance to Northwestern Medicine Hospital in McHenry where he was pronounced dead.
A LifeNet medical helicopter was placed on standby initially and then canceled.
A helmet was not located at the scene, the sheriff’s office said. No other vehicles were involved.
Investigators say speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors in the crash.
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office responded to the hospital and took possession of Reeves for an autopsy.
Rein said the autopsy performed last week showed Reeves died as a result of blunt force injuries from the crash.
An obituary for Reeves said he was a father of six children and was a “proud” grandfather of a grandchild on the way.
Reeves was a partner of 14 years to a woman and was a “cherished” uncle to many nieces and nephews and a “friend to many,” his obituary said.
“Don had a passion for the things he loved. He enjoyed shooting pool, spending time out on the water boating, and riding his motorcycle. He was a proud Green Bay Packers fan and looked forward to football season,” his family said in his obituary.
“Don also had a deep appreciation for bald eagles and the American flag, reflecting his love for freedom and the country he called home. Above all, Don will be remembered by the many family members and friends whose lives he touched,” the obituary said.
Funeral services were being held privately but a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Major Traffic Crash Investigation Unit and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office.