‘A heartbreaking loss’: Mundelein police officer ID’d as McHenry crash victim

A Mundelein police officer who died after a weekend motorcycle crash in McHenry is being remembered for how he connected with community members.

Officer Paul Viduya Jr., 28, had been active in the Latino Community Police Academy program and had a knack for interacting with kids, Mundelein Trustee Tony Ugaste said.

Viduya, of McHenry, was fatally injured while riding a 2023 Kawasaki Ninja on Charles J. Miller Parkway near McHenry Avenue, the McHenry County coroner’s office said Tuesday. He was off-duty at the time, officials have said.

While no witnesses have been located, a preliminary investigation indicated Viduya had been headed west on Charles Miller Road when his motorcycle left the roadway.

Viduya came to rest in the grassy median, but the motorcycle continued onto the eastbound lanes of the road, police said. A passing motorist came across the scene about 1:15 a.m. Sunday, called 911 and flagged down a private ambulance to assist, police said.

Despite efforts to save Viduya, he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Viduya showed interest in a law enforcement career early, volunteering with the Wauconda Police Department’s Explorer program as a teen.

He joined the Mundelein Police Department as a community service officer in 2019 and was hired as a police officer in 2022. In Mundelein, he served as a motorcycle officer, a drone pilot, a member of the honor guard and an adviser with the Explorer program.

Mundelein Trustee Daniel Juarez recalled chatting with Viduya about motorcycles and other topics at a recent Mundelein High School lacrosse game.

“He really cared for the community,” Juarez said.

Viduya dedicated his life to serving and protecting Mundelein, according to a statement from the department.

“His unexpected passing is a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, fellow officers and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the statement reads.

Mundelein officials on Tuesday expressed their condolences on social media. Ugaste shared an image of a Mundelein Police Department shoulder patch with a black mourning band.

Funeral details are pending.

The McHenry County Regional Crash Assistance Team, McHenry police, the McHenry Township Fire Protection District and the coroner’s office are investigating the crash.

Anyone with information can call police at (815) 363-2599. Anonymous tips can be left at (815) 363-2124.