An 18-year-old man delivering food for DoorDash was hit and killed early Sunday morning on Chicago’s Southwest Side, his family said.
Damian Gomez was on a bicycle about 1:20 a.m. in the 6300-block of South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago Lawn, his family and police said.
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A man driving a red 2015 Ford Explorer was heading east when he allegedly ignored a traffic signal, police said.
The red SUV struck Gomez and then crashed into a silver car that has heading south, police said.
Gomez died on the scene.
A 22-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the red SUV, was rushed to Christ Hospital in critical condition.
A 60-year-old woman, who was in the silver car, was treated at the scene.
Chicago police said the man driving the red SUV ran away on foot before police arrived.
Friends and loved ones have set up a memorial with balloons and flowers near the spot where Gomez was killed.
His family is devastated.
“He was a good boy; he had a future,” mother Claudia Torres said. “I want him to realize the damage he did to me and my family.”
Torres said Gomez was trying to make extra money for his family.
“This loss was unexpected, and our hearts are hurting. And we want justice,” aunt Natalia Torres said. “Help us capture this person. We don’t want him to run away. We want him to pay.”
A spokesperson for DoorDash said, “This is a heartbreaking tragedy and our thoughts are with the Dasher’s loved ones during this incredibly painful time. His family will receive benefits through our occupational accident insurance policy and we are prepared to support local authorities with their investigation to ensure justice is served.”
His mother says Gomez wanted to work as a security guard. Now she’s hoping police will be able to find her son’s killer.
“The pain I have in my heart. I want him to pay for everything he did,” Claudia Torres said.
Chicago police say the investigation is continuing. They are still looking for the driver, but they have no updates at this time.
“It was very unfortunate situation, where he was doing everything right. The driver took the red light and hit him,” said Alex Perez, with Active Transportation Alliance.
A family member has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for relatives.
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