Family: Barrington electrician struck by vehicle while working

A 29-year-old electrician from Barrington was fatally struck by a vehicle last week while working on a roadside project in Park City, his family says.

Matthew Paulson, a lifelong resident of the area, died Thursday of multiple traumatic injuries related to a vehicle crash in Park City, Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper said Sunday.

Park City police could not be reached Sunday, and additional information was not immediately available.

Paulson, who was studying to become a state-certified electrician, worked for Home Towne Electric in Lake Villa, said his older sister, Amanda Paulson. He recently became a journeyman electrician and had worked as a foreman since 2014.

“His co-workers admired him,” Amanda Paulson said, adding her brother was known for his attention to detail. “He was really, really good at what he did and really liked his work, which makes this even harder.”

Matthew Paulson was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 9, and he often listened to educational podcasts and radio shows on his commute to work, his sister said. He was interested in vehicles, space exploration and cutting-edge technology.

He was also extremely active, Amanda Paulson said, pointing to his love for dirt biking, riding motorcycles, playing lacrosse, boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing and snowboarding.

“Everyone who ever met Matt would say that he had a way of turning the room around. If anyone was ever in a bad mood, he could turn it on a dime,” she said. “His smile was contagious. He had a real hearty laugh.”

In addition to his sister, Matthew Paulson is survived by his parents, Babs and Mike Paulson; his younger brother, Lee Paulson; his brother-in-law Zach Benkowski; his grandmother, Carma Tucker; his girlfriend, Sara Saylor; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A visitation will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Justen Funeral Home, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road in McHenry. Funeral services will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.