De'Avion Smith was riding his bike in Elwood when a driver hit him and drove off. His mother is pleading for anyone with information to come forward.
The young victim's church basketball family describes him as devout and a beacon of positivity on and off the court. His community gathered to pay tribute to their mentor and friend at a Joliet basketball court.
"Always came in here with his bike, always ready to play, always eager to help us out with the younger people," said Juan Davis.
Davis is the coach of the Sons of Thunder basketball team of Second Baptist Church of Joliet, where 25-year-old De'Avion served as a player-coach.
"He was the best when it came to motivating people and giving that intensity. Basketball players know that you need a certain level of intensity to be able to move. He gave that and some," said Sons of Thunder Coach Malachi Kinzie.
The fundraiser for De'Avion's family began with prayers. It came exactly one week after he was found on the side of Route 53 near Tehle Road. Illinois State Police say he was struck by a southbound hit-and-run driver while on his bicycle around 6 p.m. the night before. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
"The fact that he was just left there on the side of the road, it's really painful to think about, because you could have at least stopped and rendered aid to my child," said Tashondra Smith, De'Avion's mother.
The suspected vehicle, a possibly black-in-color 2007 to 2013 Chevy Silverado, left a headlight and part of a bumper at the scene.
De'Avion's mother says her son had two jobs, including one at a Joliet warehouse, and because his car had broken down, he rode his bike to work.
"He loved this church. He loved this community, so for him to be dead now, it's like you're taking someone away that we love, and you're affecting the community," Tashondra said.
In addition to seeking justice, De'Avion's mother says she wants to advocate for tougher penalties for hit-and-run drivers in Illinois.