Illinois Father Killed in Hit-and-Run After Motorized Bike Ride in St. Clair County
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS – A tragic hit-and-run has devastated a family after 49-year-old Harold Schaedler was killed while out on his regular motorized bike ride in Cahokia Heights Saturday night.
Routine Ride Turns Tragic
According to his daughter, Sierra Meskil, Schaedler often went for evening rides along Illinois Route 157 near Foley Drive. On Saturday, August 23, he left his home around 6 p.m., planning to meet friends as he often did.
By late evening, when he had not returned or made contact, his family knew something was wrong. Just two days later, the St. Clair County Coroner delivered the heartbreaking news — Schaedler had been struck and killed by a vehicle shortly before 11 p.m., just miles from his Belleville home.
Family Grieves Loss of Beloved Father
Meskil described her father as a man who loved fishing, the outdoors, and his family. She shared how deeply the loss has shaken them:
“I’m so heartbroken. My dad was amazing. He loved fishing, he loved the outdoors and we all loved him. He didn’t deserve that.”
Schaedler was the father of five and a grandfather, remembered as the kind of man who brought joy and stability to his loved ones.
His daughter said the most painful part was learning that he had been left on the road:
“So, our dad laid there in the road like an animal. They left him. It hurts so bad because we love him so much.”
Missing Bike and Unanswered Questions
Police recovered Schaedler’s backpack, tools, and some cash, but his motorized bike was missing. Investigators confirmed to the family that the bike has not yet been located.
Detectives from the Cahokia Heights Police Department, with assistance from the Illinois State Police, are investigating the fatal crash. As of Wednesday, investigators had no clear leads. They have not identified whether the driver was a man or a woman and have no description of the vehicle involved.
Call for Justice and Information
Schaedler’s family is pleading for justice and for anyone with knowledge of the incident to step forward.
“We want justice for our dad. We want to understand what happened,” Meskil said.
Police urge anyone who may have seen the crash or has information to contact the Cahokia Heights Police Department at (618) 337-4500.
The loss of Harold Schaedler highlights the devastating impact of hit-and-run crashes on Illinois families. As investigators continue their search for answers, his loved ones remain united in their demand for justice. Stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for further updates on this developing case and other community news across Illinois.