Bicyclist Dead After Hit-And-Run Route 53 Crash In Elwood, Illinois State Police Need Your Help

JOLIET, IL — The Illinois State Police issued a Monday morning press release requesting the public’s assistance with the investigation into a fatal hit-and-run crash that happened last week in Elwood on Route 53.

At 8:29 a.m. Nov. 25, state troopers responded to Route 53 southbound at Thele Road in Elwood for a report of a person on the ground.

Upon arrival, Troopers found a male bicyclist who had been struck by a vehicle. The bicyclist was taken to an area hospital and later pronounced dead.

State Police determined that the crash occurred sometime between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24. Police say the vehicle involved is possibly a black 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The vehicle’s front headlight and part of the bumper were found at the scene. The vehicle was traveling southbound on Route 53, the police pointed out.

Anyone driving in the area at the time of the crash, anyone who witnessed the crash, or anyone who may have dash camera video of the incident or video of the location near the time of the crash, are asked to please contact ISP Special Agents at 815-221-2709 or submit a tip on ISP’s Crime Tip website.

Meanwhile, Joliet community activist Trista Graves Brown reached out to Joliet Patch in recent days, identifying the victim as De'Avion Smith. According to Graves Brown, there will be a fundraiser basketball game at Second Baptist Church in Joliet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in honor of the young man.

Brown told Patch that De'Avion was from New Orleans and moved to the Joliet area recently. She thought he might be riding his bicycle back and forth between Joliet and Wilmington.

A GoFundMe has also been established by his mother, called "Help Give De'Avion Smith a Joyful Farewell." So far, a total of $885 has been raised thanks to 13 donations.

His mother wrote, "De'Avion was a hard-working young man who loved god, his family members, friends and church members. He brought joy and laughter to everyone who came in contact with. One of his dreams was to become a NASCAR driver. He loved cars, racing, music and dancing. Words cannot express how heartbroken we are that his life was cut short by a careless and reckless driver. We are now striving to give him a wonderful and joyful home going that he deserves. We would greatly appreciate any assistance at this his light will never be forgotten."

On Monday afternoon — a full week after the hit-and-run fatality, Will County Coroner Laurie Summers finally posted a Facebook bulletin. She announced the death of 25-year-old Joliet resident DeAvion Smith, indicating he died after his bicycle was in a crash with an unknown motor vehicle in Elwood and that Illinois State Police are investigating the fatality.