PEOTONE – Details have begun to emerge following an investigation into the death of two men in their 20s late Saturday night.
According to the Will County Sheriff’s Department, the men were involved in a motorcycle crash that claimed both of their lives.
“Initial investigation indicates that Jake Murdock, age 23, of Manhattan, was driving a 2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound on Wilmington-Peotone Road (between Center and 88th Avenue) when he struck a pedestrian, Ethan Ullrich, age 26, of Manteno. The motorcycle continued westbound, striking a mailbox on the north side of the roadway. Ullrich succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Murdock was also deceased and located in the roadway when deputies arrived.” The Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Monday.
“It is unknown at this time if Murdock was still on the motorcycle when it struck the mailbox. It is also unknown if Murdock was initially still alive or deceased while he was laying in the roadway. When deputies arrived on the scene and began their investigation, it was learned that prior to deputy’s arrival, the driver of an SUV had been traveling eastbound on Wilmington-Peotone Road when she struck Murdock with her vehicle. Murdock was dragged several feet before being disengaged from the vehicle. The SUV continued, with the driver believing she had struck an animal, and then her vehicle became disabled near I-57 and Sauk Trail. The driver contacted a family member for assistance who arrived back to the scene to speak with deputies.”
No charges have been filed against the driver of the SUV following an interview with Illinois State Police and Will County Sheriff’s deputies. The woman’s vehicle has been held for the duration of the investigation.
