CHICAGO (CBS) – Illinois State Police are investigating what happened in front of a 35-year-old man died earlier this week in an accident on the Edens Expressway.
Police said 35-year-old Joseph Wheeler crashed into a concrete barrier Tuesday morning, but the car had minimal damage other than a large hole in the windshield.
Wheeler’s high school friend said he hopes someone will come forward with answers.
Wheeler’s family said he was driving his Toyota Rav 4 to work on the Edens Expressway near Winnetka Road on Tuesday morning when he hit a concrete barrier and ended up bleeding from a cut on 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 toward everyone.
“He always had a big smile and showed his front teeth every time,” he said. ‘He came to you with open arms. He was that kind of person.’
Wheeler and Orozco-Garcia met at Evanston Township High School and had remained 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 windshield. The windshield and driver’s side mirror were also damaged, but the rest of the car had no visible damage. It remained unclear on Friday what caused the hole in the windshield.
That’s why the Illinois State Police are asking the public for help.
“It’s horrifying. It’s honestly like a ‘Final Destination’ thing, where it’s like, was there a truck in front of him with rocks?” Orozco-Garcia said.
Orozco-Garcia said he was shocked to find out Wheeler was the person killed in the crash. He had just spoken to Wheeler the day before.
“I kept remembering talking to him the night before because that’s what we do. We were just my buddy,” he said. “He has two brothers and a sister, and he just became an uncle too.”
Orozco-Garcia said Wheeler still had so much left in store and described him as a hard-working man with the biggest heart.
“It just seems a little different when you know he’s not coming to see you,” he said.
While police are still investigating what happened, Wheeler’s family said they have hired an attorney.
Wheeler’s family also issued a statement that reads in part: “Joe brought warmth and kindness wherever he went. His generosity of spirit, genuine smile and unwavering dedication 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.
