Sunday morning in Prospect Heights, police officers discovered a man lying along the fence near the Chicago Executive Airport public viewing area on Palatine Frontage Road. He was unconscious and cold to the touch, and was pronounced dead at the scene. East Palatine Frontage Road at Milwaukee Avenue was shut down while investigators examined the area.
Police Say Early Probe Points to Possible Vehicle Strike
According to ABC7 Chicago, Prospect Heights officers were called to 79 Palatine Frontage Road just after 9 a.m., where they found the man lying along the fence. A preliminary investigation indicates he may have been struck by a vehicle. When officers arrived, there were no witnesses and no vehicles that appeared connected to the possible crash. Police said no one is in custody as detectives continue to investigate.
Popular Viewing Area Becomes Crime Scene
As detailed by Chicago Executive Airport, the public aircraft viewing area sits on the Palatine Road Frontage Road between Milwaukee Avenue and Wolf Road and includes bleachers, picnic tables, and free parking. The airport notes the viewing area is open from sunrise to sunset and is a popular hangout for families and plane-watchers.
Investigation and How to Help
Authorities have not released the man's name or an official cause of death, citing the ongoing investigation. Per ABC7 Chicago, East Palatine Frontage Road at Milwaukee Avenue was closed while officers worked the scene. According to the Prospect Heights Police Department, anyone with information is asked to call 847-398-5511.
Legal Note
If investigators determine a driver struck the man and fled, Illinois law requires drivers involved in crashes that cause personal injury or death to stop and remain at the scene under the Illinois Vehicle Code section 625 ILCS 5/11-401, as published by the Illinois General Assembly. The statute lays out reporting requirements and potential criminal penalties for failing to stop or report a crash that results in injury or death.
Investigators plan to review nearby cameras and canvass the area as part of the probe. This post will be updated if officials release additional information or announce an arrest.
