Robert Clauss Obituary, Death: Coroner identifies Mount Prospect man killed in Deer Park crash.

Robert Clauss Obituary, Death – The Lake County Coroner’s Office has identified the man who died in a fatal crash that occurred Sunday morning in Deer Park, Illinois. The victim, 71-year-old Robert Clauss of Mount Prospect, lost his life following a two-vehicle collision at a busy intersection.

The accident took place around 10:20 a.m. at the junction of Lake Cook Road and Ferndale Road. According to information provided by local authorities and the coroner’s office, Clauss was driving a westbound Alfa Romeo when a 2025 Jeep Wrangler attempted a left-hand turn from the eastbound side of Lake Cook Road. The Jeep entered Clauss’s lane, resulting in a violent collision between the two vehicles.

Emergency services responded quickly to the crash site. Clauss was transported by ambulance to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, where doctors worked to save him. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital’s emergency department. Medical officials later confirmed that he died from blunt force trauma sustained during the crash, as revealed by initial autopsy findings.

In addition to Clauss, a 63-year-old woman from Mount Prospect, who was riding as a passenger in the Alfa Romeo, was also seriously injured in the accident. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Details regarding her current condition have not been released, but her injuries were described as significant.

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler has not been publicly identified, and authorities have not disclosed whether that individual sustained any injuries or if they remained at the scene following the collision. As of now, no charges have been filed, and no citations have been reported.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and other investigative units are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the crash. Investigators are reviewing witness statements, roadway evidence, and any potential video footage that may shed light on how the incident unfolded. Officials have not yet determined whether speed, distraction, failure to yield, or any other factors played a role in causing the crash.

The intersection where the collision occurred — Lake Cook Road at Ferndale Road — is known for steady traffic flow and can be challenging for drivers, especially during morning hours. Local residents have expressed concerns in the past about visibility and timing of left-turns in that area, though it is not yet clear whether road design or signage contributed to this specific crash.

The tragic loss of Robert Clauss has reverberated through the Mount Prospect community. Friends and family are mourning the sudden and heartbreaking death of a man remembered by many as kind, thoughtful, and active in his local circles. At 71 years old, Clauss was reportedly still independent and engaged in his daily routines, making his untimely death even more difficult to comprehend.

As the investigation continues, the Lake County Coroner’s Office and law enforcement are working to gather more evidence and determine whether further actions — including possible citations or criminal charges — may be warranted.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. Their insights could prove vital to helping investigators piece together a full account of what happened.

The incident also highlights the persistent dangers present on local roadways and the need for caution, particularly when making left turns at busy intersections. Even a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to devastating consequences, as demonstrated by this fatal crash.

For now, the investigation remains open and active. Officials are expected to release further updates as more details become available. Meanwhile, Clauss’s loved ones prepare to lay him to rest, mourning the sudden end to a life taken too soon in a collision that may have been preventable.