Crime & Safety

Lemont Veteran, 30, Killed in Motorcycle Crash Just Before Graduation

Paul Davidson III was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a car on a street in Urbana Friday night. He was just hours short of donning cap and gown.

A Lemont man who was just hours from receiving his college diploma was killed in a crash Friday evening.

Paul Davidson III, 30, was riding his motorcycle to get a haircut before the graduation ceremony, when he was struck by a car and killed on a street in Urbana. Police determined Davidson was not at fault. 

A 2001 graduate of Lemont High School, Davidson was a Marine who went on to become an honor student, earning his degree in architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The 6-foot-6 man with a love of gardening and architecture was "just something else," his mother told The Chicago Tribune. 

Find out what's happening in Lemontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"“You should see some of the models this kid has done,” Corrine Davidson said told the Tribune. “He has designed the most gorgeous stuff. 

Davidson had taken his last exam of his college career Friday, and dined with family to celebrate. He left early, noting his need for a quick trim before the ceremony the next day. 

Find out what's happening in Lemontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He was not wearing his helmet when he left, his mother said, nothing that he did not wear one unless state law required it. Illinois does not. 

"He was just stubborn like that," Davidson told the Tribune. 

A visitation for Davidson will be held Thursday at Calvary Church in Lemont. A full military service will at the church Friday at 10 a.m.


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