Injured Des Plaines firefighter removed from life support

The family of Des Plaines firefighter critically injured in a motorcycle crash earlier this week has removed him from life support, Des Plaines Fire Chief Alan Wax and McHenry Township Fire Protection District Chief Tony Huemann said in a joint statement Tuesday.

Paul Miller suffered the injuries when his motorcycle collided with a car that turned in front of him as it pulled out of a Hawthorn Woods church's parking lot Sunday morning, according to police.

"Pursuant to Paul's previously expressed wishes, Paul's family has courageously decided to terminate life-support," Wax and Huemann said in the statement posted on the MABAS-Illinois Facebook page Tuesday.

"In keeping with Paul's giving attitude and generosity - also pursuant to his expressed wishes - several of his organs will be donated so that other may live and flourish through - and with - Paul's spirit," the statement reads.

Hawthorn Woods police said officers responded to the crash at 10:07 a.m. Sunday in front of St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School, 24500 N. Old McHenry Road. Police said Miller, 33, of McHenry, was unconscious when authorities arrived.

Miller was heading east on Old McHenry when a car driven by 77-year-old man from Englewood, Florida, turned left from the church lot and the collision occurred, according to police.

Police said Miller was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Lake Zurich Fire Protection District paramedics took Miller to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and the Florida man to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Lake Barrington, according to police. The extent of the Florida man's injuries were not immediately known.

Hawthorn Woods police said the crash remained under investigation Tuesday.

Firefighters and other first responders held a flag ceremony in Miller's honor Tuesday afternoon at the main flagpole outside Condell.