Motorcycle malfunction leads to fatal crash in Waukegan

A 39-year-old Beach Park man died early Sunday morning when he was struck by a vehicle after his motorcycle malfunctioned on Green Bay Road near the intersection with Suddard Street in Waukegan.

Deandre Knowles died from blunt-force injuries in the crash, according to an autopsy report issued by the Lake County coroner's office Monday.

Investigators believe the 2018 Kawasaki motorcycle Knowles was driving south on Green Bay Road had a mechanical issue that either forced Knowles to come to a stop on the road or slowed his speed considerably. Knowles was struck from behind by a person driving a 2021 Chevy SUV and later pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

The crash is being investigated by Waukegan police and the Lake County Major Crash Unit.