A late-night crash on Charles J. Miller Parkway in McHenry left a 28-year-old motorcyclist dead early Sunday after his bike left the roadway and he was thrown into the center median, police said. A passing driver came upon the wreck, called 911, and flagged down help; officers soon found the rider in the median and the motorcycle in the eastbound lanes.
What happened
According to FOX 32 Chicago, officers responded at about 1:16 a.m. to the intersection of Charles J. Miller Parkway and McHenry Avenue for a reported single-vehicle crash. Investigators say the motorcycle left the roadway and the rider was ejected, and the McHenry County Coroner pronounced the 28-year-old dead at the scene.
Investigation and how to help
The Daily Herald reports the motorcycle was a green 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 850 and that there were no witnesses to the crash. The McHenry County Regional Crash Assistance Team is investigating, and police asked anyone with information to call the Criminal Investigation Division at 815-363-2599 or the anonymous tip line at 815-363-2124.
Road closure and emergency response
Charles J. Miller Parkway was shut down for about four hours while investigators worked the scene, according to FOX 32 Chicago. The passerby who discovered the crash not only called 911 but also flagged down an ambulance, helping bring first responders to the scene quickly. Authorities have not released the rider’s name, citing the need to notify family first.
Why this matters
According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data, motorcycles account for a disproportionately high share of U.S. traffic deaths compared with their share of miles traveled. Illinois crash data and statewide safety assessments also show that fatal motorcycle crashes cluster on non-interstate arterial roads, conditions common in McHenry County, per the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The McHenry County Regional Crash Assistance Team continues to investigate the collision. Anyone with tips is asked to contact the McHenry Police Department at 815-363-2599 or the anonymous tip line at 815-363-2124.
