Bicyclist fatally struck by vehicle in Joliet

A bicyclist died after after he was struck by a car Sunday night in southwest suburban Joliet.

Elliot D. Burks, 49, was standing with his bicycle on the northwest corner at the intersection of Briggs and Cass streets about 10:30 p.m. Sunday when a white 1999 Chevrolet Caprice heading west on Cass went through a yellow light at the intersection, striking Burks, according to Joliet police and the Will County coroner’s office.

It was not clear whether Burks was riding his bicycle or walking it across the street when he was struck, Joliet Deputy Police Chief Gregory said.

The driver of the Caprice, a 43-year-old Joliet man, ran to a 7-Eleven on the corner to get help, police said.

Burks, of Joliet, was taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, where he was pronounced dead at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, the coroner’s office said. Preliminary autopsy results Monday revealed he died of multiple injuries due to a vehicle striking a bicyclist.

Gregory said a small amount of cannabis was found in the driver’s car, and charges are being reviewed by the Will County state’s attorney’s office.