Police Name Driver In Fatal Kirk Road Crash Wednesday
The 27-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which took place at Kirk Road and Cherry Lane in Geneva Township. Here is his identity and how the crash happened.
Police Wednesday morning identified the man who died at the scene of a motorcycle vs. semi crash in Geneva Township.
The man is 27-year-old Eric Mondragon of Elgin, according to a Kane County Sheriff's Department press release.
Mondragon was driving a Suzuki GSX Motorcycle that collided with the trailer of a semi at Kirk Road and Cherry Lane, the press release said. Kane County Sheriff’s Deputies and Geneva Fire Department personnel responded to a report of a crash with injuries at the intersection at about 7 a.m. Wednesday.
A Freightliner semi tractor with a trailer was turning from the entrance to Fifth Third Bank Ballpark on Cherry Lane to go north onto Kirk Rd, an initial investigation revealed. The semi had the green light.
Mondragon was determined to be traveling south on Kirk Road at a high rate of speed.
"The motorcycle failed to stop and struck the side of the trailer," the press release said.
Mondragon, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the semi, a 50-year-old man from Wisconsin Rapids, was the sole occupant and was uninjured.
It does not appear that drugs or alcohol played a role in this crash, however excessive speed does appear to have been a factor, according to the Sherriff's Office. No tickets have been issued.
To read our initial report and see more photos from the crash scene, click here.
John
12:13 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
My condolences to the family. This guy was a young guy whose parents probably always worried about their son on the sport bike as do almost all parents that have kids driving a motorcycle especially the sport ones and now their worst fears came to reality. I owned and road a sport bike throughout my 20's and it is so so easy to go FAST and more importantly it doesn't take long before you have the mentality of "I'm a great driver of this bike" and this guy probably was a good driver, but things happen especially when you take things for granted and drop your guard. It doesn't matter how good you drive, because when a tractor trailer pulls out as this guy had the right away and you on the cycle are going to fast to stop in time, bad things are going to happen and sometimes not even the helmet is going to save you.
Cora
12:22 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
You should have stopped your comment after the first sentence. You know nothing personally about this mans family and we (they) do NOT need your sickening self-centered advise at this time or any time. HAVE SOME RESPECT AND COMPASSION. You need to post an apology for your arrogant rant. My sincere condolences go to this victims family.
John
12:39 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Cora, after reading through many of your past comments here I've concluded you have some anger issues and seem to hate the world. So, no I'm not issuing any apology because I didn't say anything that was wrong in anyway and if you feel I did, well....I really really don't care. Have a Great Day, Cora.
Cora
12:55 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Thanks, John, I will have a great day (not sure why we would capitalize these words, but, consider the source). I heard from my neighbor that your tattoo you have touched up from time to time actually reads 'elitist'.
John
1:01 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Seeing I live on the west side and you on the east, I don't think your neighbor knows me, in fact I'm quite sure as I don't have any tattoos.
Cora
1:12 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Ok, John, I understand you are a renter on the west side of Geneva, but how is it you think (or in your case, KNOW) that I live on the east side of Geneva? To use one of your frequent statements, wrong again! I was born and raised in Geneva on the west side and am a proud homeowner on the west side although I would be just as happy being a homeowner on the east side.
Concerned Citizen
5:09 pm on Friday, October 12, 2012
Where is the "like" button on John's comment? It seems as if these "leave a comment" areas are just a venue for people to take things out of context and argue with anything and everyone. Because these comment areas are basically private, and you are not in front of someone saying it to their face, people feel more empowered to say things they may not normally say. John did not say anything wrong. Cora, get a life.
Jackie Kitchen
12:42 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Thank u john u said it all
Jennifer
12:55 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I think John meant well. By telling his story he hopes to spare another family this horrible tragedy.
Bug
1:20 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
John said nothing wrong and he is absolutely correct that motorcyclists need to practice more caution when driving.
jakie
2:08 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I think john n coras argument is irrelevant to whats going on......rip to eric and may time b the healer of his family n friends pain
Sandy Klein
2:54 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Hey Cora, who put you in charge of posting patrol? It seems all you do is slap the hands of other posters. Zip it - nobody cares what you think.
Cora
3:13 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Oh Sandy, I must apologize to you for infringing on your territory. Talk about "calling the kettle black". Ok, I'll get to the point. You need to take a serious look at your past and present posts. To quote you, "this is a public forum your're posting on". You obviously know a little bit about freedom of speech.
Just sayin'
3:56 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
John, I like what you wrote - it may help the family gain some understanding as why/how this happened. It won't be easy for them but getting a glimpse into what he may have been thinking may help just a little. Cora you are a mean, narcissstic person and should stay off these comment boards. We are all trying to express some sympathy for this young man and his family and all you can do is insult everyone. Thank God not everyone in Geneva is like you. RIP Eric.
Avett Green
4:55 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I'm so sorry for his family.
Now I'd like to say this. Take it from one who knows, as I very suddenly lost a close family member not too long ago. I can't fathom any family would want to hear any sort of "this is what happened to me" or a speech on "how these things happen" within hours of losing a child, husband, or parent. A lot of people don't know what to say to the deceased's family, but a simple "I'm sorry for your loss" or "my sincerest condolences" is all that should be said to someone you don't know very well. Don't presume to know what happened or how the family is feeling. I'm imagining John meant well, but truly, keep it short and simple. In my opinion, lecturing things like "now their fears came to reality" and "bad things are gonna happen and not even a helmet can save you" are very insensitive, unnecessary things to say to a family who is reeling from this tragedy.
Nikki
5:59 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
There are very few words that may offer any comfort for such a loss. My heart goes out to all of Eric Mondragon's family and friends.
Arely
6:11 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
My heart goes out to the Mondragon Fam. He was a great friend- with a smile on his face everywhere he turned ----The sun shined -
Arely
6:11 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
RIP- Eric -
Jon Benditz
6:13 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Rest in Peace Eric. My condolences to his family.
For everyone else, John hit it on the dot, and didn't say anything wrong. I'm 27, I have a sport bike, and I do consider myself an excellent rider. But there are times where I have taken it for granted, not every time, only a few. As of today my bike is for sale. I've heard so many sad stories lately about accidents like this, and it's gotten to me. One day I hope to have a family, so I'll give up something that could stop that from happening. Eric may have just saved a life down the road. He will never be leaving my thoughts.
This is a public forum, but there are other places to argue and have words than on a thread about someone that lost their life. Rest in Peace Eric.
Jen
6:15 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
My condolences to the family of the victim and the Semi driver.
After skimming the comments I must say, please stop it Cora. We all have a right to our opioin as you do yours.
Eddie U.
7:37 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
RIP Eric Mondragon. I am saddened by this and the people just talking sh*t!! It's about paying respect to Eric and offering condolences to his family. I worked with him at Millard years back and he was always smiling and upbeat. It is terrible to hear how his life ended.
john schroedle
8:39 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
All those race bikes should not be on road cause fhese kids dont know how to drive them
Ted
9:09 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Yea we all as society understand the consequence of are own actions special on a bike .. He was great/good friend of mine who ever knew him, would say he light up room wit his goofy /funny personality.... Soo everyone thats had stupid comments needs to shut the fuck up bcuz its disrespect to his familly and friends...show respect n say ur condolences at all ... Love u Eric aka chukie mane will be surely missed but NEVER FORGOTTEN... - TEDDY
Rebecca
9:57 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I am really so VERY sorry for this family and the semi driver. I drove by this morning and saw far too much. Sadly, seeing this after dropping off my 17 year old son at football was a parent's fears as I have saved to buy him his dream bike for his 18th birthday coming next month...not happening now. I could tell he (Eric) was someone's young son and truly my heart sank. Please know if there is any spiritual belief that I immedately said a prayer for this young man, his family, and the semi driver. Again, I am really sorry and please know this accident touched many who do feel for each family.
Terry jean
10:04 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
WELL SPOKEN, SGT BAKER!...Cora!?...You two he's referring to?... take it somewhere else!..Neither of you are acting appropriately in this forum...we should shut up with our opinions and remember two families and a truck driver who are suffering right now!...let the poor man REST IN PEACE! ++++.....get a hobby....
Davis
10:51 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
What a terrible day for so many people. Family, friends and the poor driver of the truck. A few years back, I seem to recall a story that Eric was involved a high-speed street racing incident where another young man was killed.
Eric
11:17 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
R.I.P Eric Mondragon my sincerest condolences to all of his friends and family .
I was an Elgin Biker but sold it cause every year someone would end like this .
Lost more then few riders since 1998 to 2006 , the other reason I sold it is cause I went to renew my license and the lady ask me "do you want to be an organ donator"
I said , no.
"The lady ask me are you sure ? You know 85 % of organs come from motorcycle accidents "
I was like f#*€ is really time to sell my bike.
Hopefully this story is actually helping other people now by not buying a bike or by selling the one they have now .
Frank Ruby
11:34 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Hi Davis, i don't think it was Eric in the previous accdent. I think it was Dan Mondragon. http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20101022/news/710239923/
Davis
11:42 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
You're right - I was mistaken. Very sorry for spreading false info. Again, my heart goes out to all who are feeling this pain tonight.
Tommy Trash
8:07 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Cora you are a nut bag
Jax
9:34 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
I think Cora should buy a motorcycle.
Jose Garcia
9:01 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
R. I. P. Eric Mondragon my sincerest condolences to all of he's friend and family
Few years ago I work with him on Proex and he was a very funny and goofy gay and always smiling so he was a very good guy and friend so we are going to miss him and please show more respect to his memory and he's family
Descansa en paz Eric Mondragón alias el pollo fuiste un buen muchacho y compañero de trabajo, mi mas sentido pésame para su familia y sus amigos y que Dios te tenga en su gloria
OutSpoken1
1:22 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Cora must think there is something wrong with tattoos and living on the east side of Geneva ........ figures, she is a west-sider-they all think they are above the rest!
Hans
8:53 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
RIP ERICK MONDRAGON MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY .....
j
10:04 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Hey that my friend that pass may he rest in peace thank you!!
Victoria
10:29 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
My condolences to the Mondragon family. Eric was a great friend. He had a good heart. Always willing to help anyone in need. He was smart,funny, and caring. My heart broke as I heard the terrible news of his death. R.I.P Eric I will always remember you!
Schweezie
10:57 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
Two of my brothers are in their twenties and drive motorcycles. I pray to God I never lose them like this. RIP Eric. Praying for the family
Schweezie
10:58 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
Two of my brothers are in their twenties and drive motorcycles. I pray to God I never lose them like this. RIP Eric
Mary
7:28 pm on Sunday, August 19, 2012
You're death has been a big reality check for me, chukie mane...I hug my kids a little tighter & make sure to tell them " I love you" every chance i get. You were a beautiful person, Baby. It'll be awhile before the ache in our hearts are gone. I'm praying for peace for your family. R.I.P. Eric
Lydia Ocana
11:26 am on Friday, August 24, 2012
My condolences to the family of the victim some of the Familia are my neighbors n friends..R,I. P. Eric Mondragón
Mis mas sinceras condolencias a la familia por el fatal accidente de Eric, que Dios lo tenga en su gloria y les de fortaleza a sus seres queridos de Lydia Ocaña
marcela
10:14 pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Pues se que duele muchisimo no berlo pero yop lo tengo en mis recuerdos se que el esta donde nada ni nadie le ase daño sete extraña que dios les de fuerza y valor a toda su familia