A press release from the Crystal Lake Police Department:
Route 31 looking south from the Route 14 bridge.
Traffic Crash Investigation
On Friday, February 1st, 2013, at approximately 11:12 a.m., Crystal Lake Fire Rescue and Police Departments responded to a report of a crash involving a single vehicle on Illinois Rt. 31 northbound at US Rt.14.
Upon arrival emergency crews discovered a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan along the shoulder of the roadway.
Inside the vehicle was the operator and sole occupant; Richard S. Partyka (91) of unincorporated Crystal Lake whom was unconscious and unresponsive.
Crystal Lake Fire Rescue members removed Mr. Partyka and continued attempts to revive him as he was transported to Centegra’s Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry.
Despite efforts made, Mr. Partyka did not survive, and was pronounced deceased at NIMC.
Initial investigation into this incident indicated Mr. Partyka had been northbound Rt. 31 in the curb lane, when his vehicle was observed to slow and drift toward the shoulder of the roadway.
The vehicle struck the guardrail on the east side of the roadway and continued north a short distance before coming to rest along the shoulder. A passing motorist witnessed the incident and notified emergency responders.
The death of Mr. Partyka is inconsistent with the manner and severity of the crash and this matter remains under investigation by members of the Crystal Lake Police Department and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office.
A true tragedy.
My heart and prayers go out to his family.