CRYSTAL LAKE – A 91-year-old Crystal Lake man died Friday when his minivan crashed into a guardrail at Routes 31 and 14, police said.
Richard S. Partyka, 91, was driving a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan north on Route 31 when it slowed, drifted to the shoulder and struck a guardrail. It continued north until it stopped, Crystal Lake police said in a news release.
Police and fire officials responded at 11:12 a.m. and found Partyka inside the minivan, unresponsive and unconscious. After attempts to revive him, he was taken to Centegra Hospital – McHenry and pronounced dead.
The nature of the accident typically isn't severe enough to cause a death, Patrol Cmdr. Don Dziewior said. Crystal Lake police and the McHenry County Coroner's Office are investigating.
– Stephen Di Benedetto
