Mt. Prospect man dies in Libertyville motorcycle crash

A Mount Prospect man died early this morning from injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash late Wednesday at the intersection of Route 45 and Winchester Road in Libertyville, authorities said.

William H. Thedorf Sr., 79, was pronounced dead at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville as a result of severe trauma sustained in the 11:50 p.m. crash, according to Libertyville police.

Authorities said they were called to the intersection in response to a collision between a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta driven by an 18-year-old Mundelein man and a 2001 Harley-Davidson FLHT motorcycle driven by Thedorf.

Authorities said the Jetta was stopped in the northbound left-turn lane of Route 45 to turn west onto Winchester Road, but a “No Left Turn” arrow was activated due to a passing train at the intersection.

When the train passed and the arrow deactivated, the driver of the Jetta began his turn and slammed into the motorcycle as it was heading southbound on Route 45.

Thedorf, who was wearing a helmet, padded jacket, gloves and boots, was thrown from the motorcycle, authorities said. The Volkswagen driver, who was the vehicle's sole occupant, was not injured.

The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team also responded to assist Libertyville Police with an investigation into the crash.

The accident forced the closure of southbound Route 45 at Winchester Road for more than four hours, police said.

Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor in the crash, authorities said, and no citations have been issued at this time. The crash remains under investigation.