Joliet Hit-And-Run Victim On Life Support

CREST HILL, IL — The Crest Hill Police Department seeks help from Joliet area residents in hopes of solving this week's hit-and-run crash in the 2400 block of Plainfield Road that left a 46-year-old Joliet bicyclist with life-threatening injuries. The victim, Dennis Ledenbach Jr. of Joliet, remains at St. Joe's hospital in grave condition, Crest Hill Chief Ed Clark told Patch Thursday morning.

A friend of the victim indicated that Ledenbach will likely be taken off life support on Friday afternoon.

The hit-and-run crash happened shortly before 4 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, police said. At the crime scene, Crest Hill officers found Ledenbach had suffered serious, life-threatening injuries. The motorist who struck the Joliet resident was nowhere to be found and still has not come forward to take responsibility for the crash.

Three days later, Crest Hill police still don't have any good leads on the hit-and-run vehicle, Chief Clark told Patch. That's why his department is now asking members of the Joliet-area community to help identify the driver.

Anyone with information on the hit-and-run crash is asked to call Crest Hill Police Investigator Joel Steen 815-741-5115. Anonymous tips can be left with Will County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-323-6734.

On Thursday afternoon, Josh Grew, a friend of the victim, established a GoFundMe called: "Honoring the life of Dennis."

The goal is to raise $10,000. As of 4 p.m., 37 people donated a combined $1,850 to the cause.

"Where do I begin about Dennis...Anyone that had the privilege to meet Dennis, immediately knew that he was a character. He had three true loves...Star Wars, WWE Wrestling and Chicago Bears football ... Dennis rode his bike every where, as it was his only means of transportation."

The GoFundMe informed readers that Ledenbach will likely be removed from life support on Friday afternoon, Dec. 13.

"Let’s come together as a community and give him the proper final goodbye and thanks for all the help and smiles that he has put on all our faces that he deserves. All donations will go towards his final expenses," the GoFundMe states.