Trucker, 51, Dies Of Head Injury In Roadway: Coroner

MINOOKA — Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office said authorities are investigating an occupational death that happened this week in Minooka, ending the life of a 51-year-old man from Aurora.

The man died in the 800 block of Railway Court.

According to the coroner's office, at approximately 4:40 a.m. Monday, a passerby who was on his way to work at a nearby business saw a man lying unresponsive on the ground behind a semi tractor and trailer in the roadway.

The Minooka Police Department and Minooka Fire Protection District determined the man was dead. The coroner's office identified the person as Jaime A. Olave, 51, an Aurora resident.

The preliminary investigation indicates Olave, who was a truck driver, was likely inspecting the load in the back of a trailer and holding on to the trailer safety strap, when the strap broke and caused Olave to fall backwards to the pavement, striking his head.

An autopsy was performed Tuesday morning and preliminary findings revealed severe head trauma, which was consistent with a fall, Callahan announced.

The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office, Minooka Police Department and OSHA.