Benjamin Olson dies in fatal Woodstock car crash

Benjamin Olson dies in fatal Woodstock car crash

Fatal Woodstock car crash death of Benjamin Olson

Benjamin Olson, a 44-year-old man from Crystal Lake, lost his life in a multi-vehicle collision involving his motorcycle, an SUV, and a pickup truck on Route 47 south of Hebron in unincorporated Woodstock, Illinois.

The accident occurred around 5:23 p.m. on Wednesday in the 5800 block of Route 47. Emergency responders from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Hebron-Alden-Greenwood Fire Protection District, and other local agencies rushed to the scene following reports of a serious crash.

According to the McHenry County Coroner, an autopsy determined that Olson died from blunt force trauma sustained in the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene after being ejected from his motorcycle.

Authorities say Olson was traveling south on Route 47 riding a 2009 Harley-Davidson when he crossed into the northbound lane and collided with a 2016 Ford Explorer. His motorcycle then struck a trailer that was being pulled by a 2018 Chevrolet pickup truck.

Despite wearing a helmet, Olson could not survive the impact. A medical helicopter and mobile trauma physician were called, but emergency personnel confirmed he had no signs of life on arrival.

The drivers and passengers in the other vehicles—three men from Hebron aged 32, 34, and 42—did not suffer injuries and were not taken to the hospital.

Investigators believe alcohol may have played a role in the crash. Route 47 was closed in both directions between Thayer Road and Allendale Road for several hours but reopened later that night around 11:45 p.m.

The incident remains under active investigation by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Major Traffic Crash Investigation Unit and the county coroner’s office.