Dancer killed in Eisenhower Expressway rollover crash remembered for talent, generosity

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A West Side native killed in a Monday morning crash is being remembered for his talent, but also for his generosity as a dance coach to young people.

Friends and family say Terrance Mitchell's influence will be felt long after his tragic death.

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Mitchell was at the center of a new wave of Chicago street dance. He forged a style, all his own, that was raw, fierce and unapologetic.

"He just loved it so much that it didn't matter. It didn't matter the results of it. What mattered was the experience. What mattered was getting out there, performing for people he cared about," said Delta Phi Delta Dance Fraternity President Darius Parker.

Mitchell was a member of Delta Phi Delta Dance Fraternity. His blend of artistry and exuberance influenced a new generation of dancers.

"His love, his mentorship for young people was phenomenal to witness," Parker said.

But at age 29, at the top of his talent, Mitchell's life was cut short.

Illinois State Police say he crashed into an unoccupied vehicle parked on the inbound Cicero exit ramp off the Eisenhower just after 2 a.m. Monday.

He was pronounced dead on the scene. The Cicero ramp was closed after the crash while state police investigated.

"We didn't think that the person who would bring life to life, life would be gone," said Jessica Nero, Mitchell's sister.

In his Austin neighborhood, loved ones released a sea of balloons and shot off fireworks. Mitchell's love of dance will forever beat in their hearts.

"He'll be pulling everybody right now, 'Uh-uh, you gotta dance! You gotta dance! Uh-uh, where your energy at? Bring it up! Turn it up!'" one person said.

ISP is investigating the crash.

At this time, it is unclear why Mitchell collided with that parked vehicle.