WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - Charges are pending against a Beecher man police allege was drunk when he crashed his SUV, killing a passenger Saturday.
Steven Bigos, 43, had purchased the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer the day before the crash on Indiana Avenue near Racine Avenue, according to Will County Sheriff's spokeswoman Kathy Hoffmeyer.
About 5:10 p.m., Bigos was driving eastbound with his friend Michael J. Badali, 37, when he attempted to pass a 1986 Ford C8000 that was hauling grain, but clipped the front as he came back, according to Hoffmeyer.
The Trailblazer rolled over several times and Badali was ejected from the vehicle and pinned underneath the front of it. The grain hauler was knocked onto the shoulder, but the driver, a 54-year-old Wilmington man, was not injured.
Badali, who did not appear to be wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:10 p.m. by the Will County Coroner's office.
Bigos was transported to St. James Hospital for neck and head injuries and possible internal injuries. Police reports said Bigos remained hospitalized as of Monday morning.
"He has been ticketed for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident," Hoffmeyer said. "After tests were done at the hospital, it was determined alcohol was a factor in the crash and other charges will be pending upon (Bigos') release."