Luggage driver killed in crash at Midway Airport

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A luggage driver was killed in a crash with another luggage vehicle at Midway Airport late Friday night, police said.

The driver, 52-year-old Michael Yates, was a retired SWAT sniper from the DuPage County Sheriff's Department.

"He had just joined the airline recently part-time and was looking forward to enjoying semi-retirement," said Paul Rettberg, the victim's neighbor.

Yates was driving one of the luggage vehicles at Midway Airport when he was involved in a collision with another vehicle just before midnight Friday night. Yates was ejected from his vehicle and later died at Christ Hospital.

Southwest Airlines confirmed his death Saturday in a statement: "After an accident involving ground equipment, one of our Ramp Agents at Chicago Midway passed away last night. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time. Resources will be on site to support our Southwest family at Midway."

A resident of Carol Stream and a father of three, Yates retired from the DuPage County Sheriff's office last year, where he served as a sniper for the SWAT team. He took the part-time job at Southwest Airlines as a way to keep himself busy.

"He's a great guy, great neighbor, amazing father," Rettberg said. "Our dogs will miss him too because he'd take our labs out on a regular basis. He'll be missed."

Both Southwest Airlines and Chicago Police said the circumstances behind the accident are still being investigated.