Coroner IDs Grayslake Man Killed In Early Morning Crash

GRAYSLAKE, IL — The Lake County Coroner has identified a 73-year-old man who suffered a medical emergency and died during a collision in Grayslake early Friday as James Bechtel.

Bechtel, of Grayslake, was driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer east on Route 120 at Ivanhoe Road in Grayslake at about 5:30 a.m. when he suffered a medical emergency, crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a westbound International semi-truck, according to a news release from the Grayslake Police Department. Results from an autopsy indicate Bechtel died of natural causes.

The driver of the Trailblazer was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi driver and a passenger in the SUV were not injured.

Authorities closed Route 120 between Route 83 and Ivanhoe Road for several hours following the collision. The roadway has since reopened.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.