Updated: Downers Grove Motorcyclist Dies from Injuries

Naperville Police determined Saturday that alcohol and excessive speed contributed to a fatal motorcycle accident involving a Downers Grove man.

Denver J. Hinkle, 39, of Downers Grove, was taken early Saturday to Edward Hospital with life-threatening injuries, but died, according to a news release issued Saturday morning. Hinkle struck a vehicle Friday night while riding his motorcycle in Naperville. Police said excessive speed and drinking by Hinkle contributed to the accident.

Naperville police and fire departments responded Friday around 5:45 p.m. to the scene of the accident, which was near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Westmoreland Lane.

Police said Hinkle was riding his red 2005 Ducati westbound on Chicago Avenue from Naper Boulevard when he sideswiped a red 2003 Ford Explorer being driven by Naperville resident Sandra Echterling.

After an initial investigation, police determined the motorcyclist lost control and struck the curb on the north side of the roadway.

"The motorcycle and driver then crashed into a fence north of the roadway," said an initial release sent around 11 p.m. Friday.

Hinkle was transported to Edward Hospital for treatment. He remained in critical condition around 12:30 a.m., hospital staff said. An updated new release confirmed he had died of his injuries. Echterling was not injured in the crash.

Because of the nature of the crash, members of the Naperville Police Department's Traffic Unit trained in accident reconstruction responded to the scene to investigate the accident. 

The accident remains under investigation.