Motorcycle Crash Leaves 2 Dead, Including Manhattan Resident

MANHATTAN, IL — Two men are dead after a motorcycle hit a pedestrian at around 11:40 p.m. Saturday in Peotone, according to a Will County Sheriff's Department. The motorcyclist was also hit by an SUV and dragged several feet after the initial crash, Sheriff's officials said.

Jake W. Murdock, 23, of Manhattan, was driving a 2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound on Wilmington-Peotone Road when he fatally hit Ethan R. Ulrich, 26, of Manteno, according to Will County Sheriff's Department. Both men died at the scene, officials said. Murdock's motorcycle ended up crashing into a mailbox further down the road.

Murdock was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 6 a.m. Sunday, according to a post on Facebook by the Will County Coroner's Office.

The initial crash happened about half a mile west of Interstate 57.

According to officials, when deputies arrived on the scene and began their investigation, it was learned that prior to deputy’s arrival, an SUV had been traveling eastbound on Wilmington-Peotone Road when the SUV struck Murdock. Murdock was dragged several feet before being disengaged from the vehicle, officials said. The SUV continued, and the driver believed she had struck an animal, officials said.

Her SUV became disabled near I-57 and Sauk Trail. The driver reportedly contacted a family member for assistance, who arrived back at the scene to speak with deputies.

No charges have been filed against the woman driving the SUV, and no signs of alcohol use were detected during an interview with the woman, officials said. Her vehicle was towed to the Sheriff’s Office, where Traffic Investigators are investigating the crash.

Officials said that it should be noted that this roadway is a two-lane, rural road, with no streetlights in the area.

Will County Sheriff's Traffic Division Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate the crash. Officials said it is unknown at this time if Murdock was still on the motorcycle when it struck the mailbox.

Officials also said it is also unknown if Murdock was initially still alive while he was lying in the roadway.

The final cause and manner of death have yet to be determined. Autopsies have been scheduled for Monday.

Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.

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