Illinois State Police seek public's help for information in deadly Chicago expressway crash
CHICAGO (CBS) — Illinois State Police are investigating what happened before a 35-year-old man died in a crash on the Edens Expressway earlier this week.
Police said 35-year-old Joseph Wheeler crashed into a concrete barrier Tuesday morning, but the car had minimal damage, except for a large hole in the front windshield.
Wheeler's high school friend said he hopes someone comes forward with answers.
Wheeler's family said he was driving his Toyota Rav 4 to work Tuesday morning on the Edens Expressway near Winnetka Road, when he hit a concrete barrier ended up bleeding from a gash in his neck. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His friend, Jose Francisco Orozco-Garcia, said he showed a sense of joy and warmth to everyone.
"Always had a big smile, always showed his front teeth every time," he said. "He'd come at your with open arms. He was that type of person."
Wheeler and Orozco-Garcia met at Evanston Township High School, and had stayed close ever since.
"It's just crazy how you meet someone, and you never know how much time you have with them," Orozco-Garcia said.
A large hole was visible on the driver's side of the front windshield. The front driver's side window and side mirror also were damaged, but the rest of the car didn't have any visible damage. It remained unclear Friday what created the hole in the windshield.
That's why Illinois State Police are asking the public for help.
"It's, like, horrific. It's honestly some, like, 'Final Destination' thing, where it's like, was there a truck in front of him that had rocks?" Orozco-Garcia said.
Orozco-Garcia said he was shocked to find out Wheeler was the person who died in the crash. He had just spoken to Wheeler a day earlier.
"I just kept remembering that I talked to him the night before, because that's what we do. We just, he was my buddy," he said. "He has two brothers, and has a sister, and he just became an uncle too."
Orozco-Garcia said Wheeler had so much ahead of him, describing him as a hard-working man with the biggest heart.
"It just kind of hits a little different when you know he's not going to be coming through your door," he said.
While police are still investigating what happened, Wheeler's family said they have hired an attorney.
Wheeler's family also provided a statement that reads in part: "Joe brought warmth and kindness wherever he went. His generosity of spirit, genuine smile, and unwavering devotion to those he cared for will be fondly remembered."
Anyone with information about the crash, including dash camera footage, is asked to contact state police at 847-294-4400 or submit a tip at isptips.illinois.gov.
