Bryan Julio Vicario Arellanes, a 20-year-old Highwood resident and Highland Park High School graduate, has been identified as the man who died after falling from an elevated Interstate 94 exit ramp in Chicago.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office released his identity Wednesday, November 11. His death was ruled an accident, while Illinois State Police continue investigating the circumstances, according to Lake and McHenry County Scanner.
THE WORD
- Who:Â Bryan Julio Vicario Arellanes, 20, of Highwood.
- When:Â He was found unresponsive November 1 and pronounced dead at the scene.
- Where:Â Near South Lumber Street and Union Avenue in Chicago.
- The finding:Â The medical examiner listed multiple injuries from a fall from height as the cause of death.
WHAT INVESTIGATORS HAVE RELEASED
Illinois State Police responded around 11:48 a.m. to the 2200 block of South Lumber Street. Investigators determined that Vicario Arellanes had fallen from the interstate exit ramp earlier that day.
Authorities have not publicly explained how the fall occurred or how much time passed before he was found. State police said the incident was unrelated to his employment.
The medical examiner’s November 2 examination resulted in an accidental-death ruling. Further circumstances have not been released.
REMEMBERING BRYAN
Born in Highland Park on July 18, 2006, Vicario Arellanes graduated from Highland Park High School in 2024. He worked as a stocker at Amazon in Kenosha, according to his obituary.
His family’s remembrance focuses on how he treated others: with kindness, respect and a willingness to stand up for the people he loved.
The obituary describes a young man who took particular care of his younger siblings, making their well-being a priority. Friends also knew him as someone they could count on for support.
He is survived by his parents, three siblings, a niece, a nephew, grandparents, godparents and extended family. His dog, Oreo, is also included in the family’s tribute.
In a fundraiser organized to help his family with funeral expenses, his sister remembered him as a loving son, brother and uncle who had goals he wanted to accomplish.
The appeal asks supporters to help honor his memory and assist those closest to him during their loss. It offers another glimpse of the relationships that shaped his life beyond the circumstances of his death.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAY GOODBYE
A visitation was held November 4 at Seguin & Symonds Funeral Home in Highwood. A funeral Mass followed November 5 at Christ Our Hope Parish’s Saint James Church, with burial at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.
His obituary remembers the care he showed throughout his life and the lasting place he holds in his family’s memories.
As investigators continue their work, the family’s tributes keep the focus on Bryan: a young man remembered for looking after others and sharing his love with those around him. His family currently has a fundraiser in Bryan’s honor. To donate visit the gofundme link here.
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