Justin Fasnacht, Sarah Gudeman Obituary, Death – Two motorcyclists were killed in a crash Friday night on a state highway in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, according to the Illinois State Police. The incident occurred around 9:51 p.m. on Illinois Route 394 near Dyer Road. Illinois State Police responded to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving two motorcycles. The crash resulted in the deaths of both riders.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Justin Fasnacht from Crown Point, Indiana, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he later died from his injuries, as confirmed by the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
The second rider, identified as 24-year-old Sarah Gudeman, also from northwest Indiana, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Based on preliminary findings, both Fasnacht and Gudeman were riding north on Illinois 394 when the crash happened. Investigators believe that Fasnacht, who was riding behind Gudeman, struck the rear of her motorcycle. The impact resulted in fatal injuries to both individuals.
Following the crash, authorities shut down a portion of Illinois 394 for several hours to allow state troopers and crash reconstruction experts to investigate the scene. The highway was later reopened in the early hours of Saturday morning once the investigation at the site was completed.
As of Saturday evening, the exact reason why Fasnacht collided with Gudeman’s motorcycle had not been determined. Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation, and further details have not yet been released.
The tragic incident highlights the dangers motorcyclists can face on the road, especially at night and at higher speeds on highways. It is not yet known whether weather, visibility, speed, or any other contributing factors played a role in the collision.
Police have not stated if any mechanical issues were involved or if toxicology reports will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.
Family and friends of the two victims are mourning their sudden loss. Both Fasnacht and Gudeman were young residents of northwest Indiana, and their deaths have sent shockwaves through their local communities.
The Illinois State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has additional information to come forward to assist with the investigation. Witness statements, along with any possible dashcam or surveillance footage, could help clarify how the tragic events unfolded.
As the investigation continues, officials are focused on piecing together all relevant facts to understand the full circumstances behind the fatal rear-end collision between the two motorcyclists on Illinois 394. Updates will be shared as new findings become available.