BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. — An 18-year-old Wheeling resident, Jeremi Klodzinski, was killed Friday evening after his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck in Buffalo Grove, police confirmed.
The crash occurred around 5:40 p.m. in the northbound lanes of Buffalo Grove Road at University Drive. Officers and emergency crews arrived within minutes to find Klodzinski critically injured. First responders administered lifesaving aid before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The driver of the pickup truck was not hurt and, according to authorities, remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. No citations or charges have been filed at this time.
“The cause of the crash has yet to be determined and the investigation remains ongoing,” Buffalo Grove officials said in a statement.
Buffalo Grove Road was shut down for nearly four hours between Dundee Road and East Darryl Drive as investigators worked the scene. The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) has joined local police to reconstruct the accident and determine what led to the deadly collision.
Authorities have not released further details on the circumstances, including which vehicle had the right of way. Investigators are reviewing witness accounts, physical evidence, and any available surveillance or traffic camera footage.
Klodzinski’s death has left both Wheeling and Buffalo Grove communities shaken, with friends, family, and neighbors grieving the loss of a young man remembered for his kindness, passion, and bright future. Tributes have poured in on social media, where many have shared condolences and prayers for his family.
Crashes involving motorcycles underscore the vulnerability of riders, police noted, urging all drivers to stay alert and exercise caution, especially at intersections.
As the investigation continues, officials said updates will be shared with the public. Meanwhile, the community is mourning the tragic loss of Jeremi Klodzinski, a life cut short at just 18 years old.