More details on Midway crash that killed former DuPage deputy
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a retired DuPage sheriff's deputy and father of three after a vehicle collision at Midway International Airport.
Michael Yates, a former member of the sheriff's SWAT team, died after being ejected when the luggage cart he was driving hit another cart at about 11:30 p.m. Friday. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
The 52-year-old Carol Stream man had retired nearly a year ago to work as a ramp agent for Southwest Airlines. The airline said it was reviewing the accident internally.
Yates' death appears to be "a terrible accident," Chicago Police officer Janel Sedevic, a spokeswoman for the department, said Monday.
The speed limit for vehicles in that part of the airfield was 10 mph. Although there were lights on the vehicles and lighting on the airfield, it was dark where the crash occurred, and it had rained that night, police said.
Yates was not wearing a seat belt. The other driver who was belted did not appear to have injuries, police said.
Yates was traveling west and apparently struck a trailer being pulled by the other vehicle. The uninjured driver was leaving an access road and heading south toward a gate.
It appears both drivers realized a crash was imminent and tried to steer away, officials said. Drugs or alcohol were not factors, authorities said. FAA investigations typically take several weeks to complete.
Yates was married and had three sons ages 17 to 23. He had worked for the DuPage County Sheriff's Department for 28 years.
Visitation for Yates will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, and the funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton. Further services and interment will be held in Calumet, Mich. Details are pending on a memorial fund.
•Daily Herald staff writer Jessica Cilella contributed to this report.