Yorkville man dies in crash on Route 71 near West High Point Road


Yorkville police are continuing their investigation into a fatal crash that occurred at 5:43 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 on Route 71 near West High Point Road.

In a press release, police identified the deceased as the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the crash, Robert Stoecker, 54, of Yorkville.

Police said they determined through their preliminary investigation the crash occurred when Stoecker’s 2006 GMC Sierra, which was traveling northbound on Route 71, crossed the center lane into the southbound lane and struck a 2007 Peterbilt truck.

The driver of the Peterbilt truck was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to police.

Stoecker was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Route 71 was closed until approximately 10:40 p.m. as police completed their initial investigation.

Assisting police at the scene were personnel from the Kendall County Coroner’s Office, Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District and the Illinois Department of Transportation.