Trooper killed in crash on I-94 near Libertyville

An Illinois State trooper was killed in a crash early Saturday morning on I-94 in Lake County.

Trooper Gerald Ellis was traveling home in his squad car when he was struck by a wrong-way driver, Illinois state police said in a statement. Police said the fatal crash occurred about 3:25 a.m. at milepost 16.75 in Green Oaks, east of Libertyville.

Ellis, 36, is the third trooper, and second this week, killed on roads this year.

"While the men and women of the Illinois State Police are still grieving our recent loss, it is with profound heartache and unfathomable sadness that we inform you of the death of another fallen trooper, Trooper Gerald Ellis," Acting state police Director Brendan Kelly said. "Trooper Ellis laid down his life while protecting the citizens of this state. We are asking the public to respectfully give consideration to the family of Trooper Ellis and the ISP while we continue to process and work through this tragedy."

Ellis was on duty in his squad car traveling home on I-94 westbound near when the wrong-way driver heading east struck the trooper head on. Ellis was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was pronounced dead about 4:04 a.m. , authorities said.

To honor Ellis, there was a law enforcement procession this morning that began near the hospital at Condell Drive and Milwaukee Avenue. The procession traveled north on Milwaukee Avenue and east on Washington Street in Gurnee before reaching the Lake County coroner's office in Waukegan.

Ellis was an 11-year veteran of Downers Grove-based state police District 15.