Des Plaines firefighter dies from injuries suffered in motorcycle crash
Des Plaines firefighter/paramedic Paul Miller died Thursday from injuries suffered earlier this week when he a motorcycle he was driving collided with a car that turned in front of him in Hawthorn Woods, officials said.
Fire Chief Alan Wax remembered Miller, 33, of McHenry, as someone who lived life to the fullest, had a great love of the fire service and enjoyed working on cars as a hobby. Miller, who also served part time for the McHenry Township Fire Protection District, joined the Des Plaines department nearly six years ago.
Wax said Miller died Thursday after he was removed from a ventilator at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
Wax also issued a joint statement with McHenry Township Fire Chief Tony Huemann saying they were "so proud of Paul and his family for the unselfish gift of the donation of several organs so that multiple other individuals may live."
"At this time, we ask for your continued prayers for Paul's family and those receiving his gifts of life," the fire chiefs said.
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 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 into the motorcycle's path, according to police. Police said Miller was not wearing a helmet at the time.
Lake Zurich Fire Protection District paramedics brought Miller to Condell 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 known.
Before joining Des Plaines, Wax said, Miller worked for the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District and the since-dissolved Highwood Fire Department.
Funeral arrangements were not yet available.