April 25--A 35-year-old McHenry man died late Sunday after his motorcycle crashed into a guardrail, according to the McHenry County sheriff's department.
Police said Merrick M. Gehrke crashed his 2003 Harley-Davidson XL883C while traveling south on River Road near Moraines Hills State Park in unincorporated Nunda Township. Responders arrived just after 11:30 p.m. and pronounced Gehrke dead at the scene.
Authorities said he was not wearing a helmet and it was unclear why his motorcycle ran off the west side of the road before hitting the guardrail.
The investigation is ongoing, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.
Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter.
