Montgomery Man Dies In DeKalb Hit And Run

DEKALB, IL — The victim of an apparent hit and run along I-88 in DeKalb has been identified as a Montgomery resident. Ryan A. Mertl, 25, was found dead in a ditch just east of South Annie Glidden Road on Saturday, the DeKalb County Coroner's office told the Daily Chronicle. A preliminary investigation by Illinois State Police indicated that Mertl was walking along the side of the road when he was struck and killed.

Mertl was a Naperville native and 2010 graduate of Oswego East High School, according to his obituary. He worked for a St. Charles company as a car transporter. "Ryan loved fishing, camping, 4 wheeling, cooking and eating Mom’s food," his obituary said. "On his weekends and time off he would go camping with his many friends, loved the outdoors and being a member of the NRA. Ryan was part of a very loving and affectionate family and will be greatly missed by all."

An investigation into Mertl's death is ongoing, state police told the Chronicle.

Visitation for Mertl is scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Dunn Family Funeral Home, 1801 Douglas Road in Oswego. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Anne Catholic Church, 551 Boulder Hill Pass.

Memorials should be directed to JDRF Illinois Chapter, 1 North LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602.

Dunn Family Funeral Home