Wrong-Way Driver Killed In Crash With ISP Trooper Identified

GREEN OAKS, IL — The Lake County Coroner's Office has identified the driver killed in a March 30 wrong-way crash that also took the life of Illinois State Police Trooper Gerald Ellis. According to a release, the coroner's office was notified and responded just after 5 a.m. Saturday, March 30 to the scene of a motor vehicle crash on I-94, just east of the IL-176 exit, to investigate both deaths.

“On April 1, 2019, at 9 a.m., an autopsy was performed on the victim, 44-year-old Dan Davies, from Calumet City," Dr. Howard Cooper, Lake County Coroner, said. "The preliminary autopsy results indicate he died from multiple injuries due to a motor vehicle crash. Toxicology is pending."

Cooper also said they've met with Davies’ family, and their deepest condolences go out to them during this difficult time.

Davies was the only occupant of the car, which was reportedly going the wrong way when it struck Trooper Ellis' vehicle head-on.

According to a release, the coroner's office also responded to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville to investigate the death of Trooper Ellis.

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“On March 30, 2019, at 10 a.m., an autopsy was performed on the victim, 36-year-old State Trooper Gerald Ellis," Cooper said. "The preliminary autopsy results indicate he died from multiple injuries due to a motor vehicle crash. Toxicology is pending."

Cooper said they've met with Trooper Ellis’ family, and their deepest condolences go out to them.

"His death is truly a tragedy for his family, the Illinois State Police, and law enforcement everywhere,” Cooper said.

Cooper added that the investigations into Davies' and Ellis' deaths are ongoing by the coroner's office and the Illinois State Police.

Ellis was assigned to ISP District 15 in Downers Grove and was an 11-year veteran of the department. He leaves behind a wife, two children, a brother and his parents. Ellis was also a veteran of the United States military.

Patch will continue to update this story as information becomes available.