Woodstock police and Woodstock Fire/Rescue District firefighter/paramedics responded about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday August 15, 2017 to the intersection of Route 14 and Route 47 in Woodstock to a report of a bicyclist hit by an SUV.
Fire scene command called a Flight For Life helicopter to airlift the bicyclist and the helicopter was on the scene, but instead the man was transported by ambulance to Centegra Hospital – Woodstock. He was pronounced dead at 8:45 p.m.
The bicyclist was identified as Robert Amos James, 25, of Woodstock. Robert Amos James had been riding a bicycle northbound on Route 47 when he was hit by a black large size SUV — a 2007 Chevy Tahoe.
The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe was eastbound on Route 14 in the right lane when it collided in the intersection with James, according to Woodstock Deputy Police Chief Jeff Parsons. The Chevy Tahoe had moderate damage to the right, front fender; and a damaged windshield on the passenger side.
According to the release from the coroner’s office report, James entered the intersection while disobeying a red light. Preliminary police investigation by Woodstock police indicated the Chevy Tahoe traveled legally through a green light.
“Witnesses say the man may have had earbuds in his ears, which might have distracted him,” according to Parsons.
The fatal crash remains under investigation. Parsons said no citations would be issued at this time. McHenry Parsons reported that a multi-agency Major Crash Assistance Team had been activated to investigate the crash alongside the McHenry County Coroner’s Office.
Autopsy results show James died from blunt force injuries to the head, chest and abdomen. Toxicology results are pending.
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