A Monday morning drive near Wonder Lake ended in tragedy when a car left the road, tore through a field, and slammed into a tree in the 7700 block of Howe Road. Emergency crews found the vehicle off the roadway, and the lone occupant was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash happened just before 8:30 a.m., according to FOX 32 Chicago, when an eastbound vehicle on Howe Road left the pavement, traveled through a field and hit a tree. The McHenry County Sheriff's Office released the initial details and said the investigation is ongoing.
Vehicle and victim details
Authorities identified the vehicle as a 2011 Hyundai Sonata and said the driver was a 50-year-old man who was not wearing a seat belt, as reported by CBS Chicago. His name has not yet been released.
Investigators believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash, according to the Northwest Herald.
Investigation and scene
The McHenry County Sheriff's Office Major Crash Investigation Unit and the county coroner responded to the scene, and the crash remains under investigation, per FOX 32 Chicago.
Local outlets reported that Howe Road was closed for about six hours while crews worked the scene and that the coroner is scheduling an autopsy, according to Lake and McHenry County Scanner.
The driver's identity has not been released, and authorities say more information will be provided after the coroner's review. The sheriff's office continues to lead the investigation and has not announced any arrests or charges.
