Fatal motorcycle crash ruled an accident
The death of a South Elgin motorcyclist was ruled accidental by a Kane County Coroner's jury Wednesday.
But one question still surrounds the July 13 crash --whether the other driver was drunk.
Frank R. Ferraro, a 40-year-old finance executive for a health care software company, died shortly after his 2005 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle struck the side of a 2003 Ford Escape at about 11:29 a.m. at Randall and Silver Glen roads.
Ferraro was headed north on Randall Road and the sport utility vehicle driver, an 18-year-old girl from St. Charles, was headed south on Randall, making a left turn to go east onto Silver Glen.
South Elgin Patrol Officer Brett Czechowski testified Wednesday that a witness told him Ferraro sped up when the light turned yellow.
No citations have been issued in the crash and police are awaiting the SUV driver's blood and urine test results from the state lab, Czechowski said.
"It's our belief that Unit 1 (Ferraro) was the at-fault vehicle. However, our criminal investigation into the matter is still ongoing," Czechowski testified.
Deputy Coroner Amy Renwick said an autopsy showed Ferraro died of multiple blunt force trauma. Test results showed his system was free from alcohol and drugs, Renwick said.
Ferraro's family members suspect the SUV driver might have been drunk.
Denise Ferraro testified her brother was a safe motorist and that the SUV driver's family has hired an attorney who specializes in driving under the influence cases.
Before deliberations, the jury forewoman said the lack of test results from the SUV driver could affect the jury's decision.
The Daily Herald is not naming the driver of the SUV because she has not been charged.
After about 35 minutes, the jury ruled the death was "accidental" but added "more information" was needed.
The jury also had the option of ruling the death "undetermined" or "reckless homicide."
The jury's decision will not have an impact on a criminal case if charges are eventually filed.
Court records show the St. Charles teen received a ticket for speeding between 15 and 20 mph over the limit in South Elgin in April 2006, but has no other violations.
A call to her parents' house was not returned.