Police seek more info on Edens crash that resulted in death of 35-year-old
State police are asking for help as they investigate a fatal car crash last Tuesday on the Edens Expressway near Northfield.
Joseph D. Wheeler, 35, of Chicago, died following the crash, which occurred around 7 a.m. just north of Winnetka Road on Interstate 94, or the Edens Expressway.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has a dash camera and was driving in the vicinity and at the time of the crash to submit a tip online or call police at (847) 294-4400.
Emergency units responded to the crash at approximately 7:11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, in the northbound lanes of I-94. According to Illinois State Police, the car struck a concrete barrier, and the driver was transported to a local hospital where they died from their injuries. The driver reportedly was the only person in the car.
Video showing the aftermath of the incident, which was captured by local broadcast outlets, shows Wheeler’s vehicle — a Toyota SUV — with a sizable hole in the windshield located in the lower corner on the driver’s side.
Modest damage to the car was also noticeable on and around the driver’s side door.
Wheeler’s cause of death had not been established by press time.
Memorial services for Wheeler will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, with a visitation from 10 a.m.-noon at Donnellan Family Funeral Services, 10045 Skokie Blvd., and a funeral service to follow.
According to his online obituary, Wheeler most recently worked as a tow truck driver and enjoyed cooking, biking, camping and playing golf.
“Above all, Joe treasured spending time with loved ones, filling every gathering with warmth and laughter,” the obituary reads. “His adventurous spirit, generous heart, and unwavering commitment to those he cared for will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.”
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Joe Coughlin
Joe Coughlin is a co-founder and the editor in chief of The Record. He leads investigative reporting and reports on anything else needed. Joe has been recognized for his investigative reporting and sports reporting, feature writing and photojournalism. Follow Joe on Twitter @joec2319
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