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CHICAGO, Cook County, Ill., Oct. 29, 2026 — A motorcyclist died and his passenger was critically injured on Wednesday night, October 28, when an SUV collided with their motorcycle while turning in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side.
The crash happened around 9:10 p.m. at the intersection of Cottage Grove Avenue and 61st Street, Chicago police said. A silver SUV was turning left onto 61st Street when it struck a motorcycle headed north on Cottage Grove Avenue.
The motorcycle's driver, a 21-year-old man, was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died. His passenger, a 24-year-old man, was also taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center and was listed in critical condition.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life, and we wish the injured passenger a full recovery.
Local Crash Information for Chicago, IL
This motorcycle crash happened at Cottage Grove Avenue and 61st Street in Chicago, IL. Our Chicago, IL car accident information page brings together police report details, local crash data and trauma care information in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes motorcycle accidents?
Many motorcycle crashes happen at intersections, when another driver turning or crossing traffic fails to see an oncoming motorcycle in time to stop or yield.
Why do motorcycle crashes tend to cause more serious injuries than other crashes?
A motorcycle offers no outer frame or airbags to absorb a collision, so riders and passengers can be thrown from the bike and strike the ground or another vehicle directly.
How do left-turning vehicles end up colliding with motorcycles?
A driver turning left across traffic may misjudge a motorcycle's speed or distance, or simply not see it, and turn into its path just as it reaches the intersection.
What can drivers do to spot motorcycles more easily?
Checking twice before turning or changing lanes, using mirrors and shoulder checks, and allowing extra time at intersections can help drivers notice motorcycles they might otherwise miss.
