Renowned businessman struck, killed by vehicles near West Dundee

The owner of a popular butcher shop in Lake in the Hills died when struck early Monday morning by multiple vehicles near West Dundee.

The Kane County sheriff’s office identified 69-year-old Tom Yucuis of East Dundee as the victim in the crash that happened shortly before 6 a.m. near the intersection of Route 31 and Miller Road.

Yucuis owned and operated Butcher on the Block at 4660 W. Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills since 2000, according to the business’ website.

According to a Kane County sheriff’s office press release, Yucuis was walking in the southbound lanes of Route 31, “in all dark clothing,” when he was struck by three southbound vehicles.

The drivers all stopped to render aid and called 911, authorities said.

No citations have been issued, the release states. None of the drivers were injured.

Route 31 was closed between Miller Road and Longmeadow Parkway for nearly four hours as part of the investigation.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Last month, Butcher on the Block won this year’s Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce award for in the best in the Hospitality/Food/Entertainment category.

Social media posts of condolences started to pour out Monday evening. Lake in the Hills Village President Ray Bogdanowski said on his Facebook that he is “deeply saddened.”

“His long-standing commitment to Butcher on the Block and the community has been invaluable,” Bogdanowski said in the post. “Our entire community’s thoughts are with his family and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Posts from businesses like Parkside Pub and Bub Subs in Algonquin also honored Yucuis for the impact he has made on the community.

“Tom is a local legend,” Bubs Subs owner Dominick Pulli said. ”Such a great guy to deal with. The main butcher for my house since they opened. Before we opened BUBS SUBS 14 years ago, this was my main sandwich shop, too."

• Shaw Local News Network contributed to this report