1 Dead After Car Strikes Sign, Tree: Niles PD

NILES, IL — A 69-year-old man died early Tuesday following a single-vehicle traffic crash in which police said a car he was driving left the roadway before striking a street sign and tree. A portion of Oakton Street was closed for several hours for an investigation into the incident.

According to Niles police, the crash involving a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe occurred at around 12:18 a.m. Tuesday, in the 7700 block of Oakton Street. The vehicle was reportedly traveling westbound on Oakton Street when it struck a speed limit sign and a tree located in the parkway on the north side of the street.

The driver was found unconscious and not breathing. Officers initiated CPR until Niles paramedics arrived at the scene. Paramedics took over life-saving efforts and took the driver to Lutheran General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:04 a.m.

A 51-year-old female passenger from the vehicle was also taken to the hospital by paramedics. She received treatment for injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.

Oakton Street was closed between Milwaukee and Prospect avenues for the subsequent investigation. Police believe impairment was not a factor in the crash. The Major Crash Assistance Team is providing assistance to the Niles Police Department with the ongoing investigation.