Family members, neighbors, and transit advocates gathered on April 8 to mourn the death of 18-year-old Damian Gomez, who was killed in a hit-and-run while cycling at the intersection of 63rd Street and Kedzie Avenue in Chicago Lawn. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when a speeding driver ignored a traffic signal, struck Gomez—who was delivering food—and then collided with another car before fleeing the scene.
The loss has sparked renewed calls for safer streets on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Community members say reckless driving is an ongoing issue that puts cyclists and pedestrians at risk. “I want the person who hurt him to be held accountable for what he did,” said Claudia Torres, Gomez’s mother, during a vigil attended by dozens of loved ones and neighbors.
According to police, the suspect drove a red SUV eastbound on 63rd Street at high speed before striking Gomez and another vehicle. A woman in her twenties riding in the SUV remains hospitalized in critical condition; a sixty-year-old woman from the second car was treated for injuries. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the driver leaving his vehicle after the crash.
Cyclists from Gage Park Cyclists organized a memorial ride to honor Gomez’s memory. Will Gomez, Damian’s father, addressed those present: “Turn yourself in and ask God to forgive you, because I, Will Gomez, do not forgive you.” Friends remembered Damian as joyful and supportive of others.
Community leaders say that dangerous driving is common along major Southwest Side roads like Kedzie Avenue and Archer Avenue. City data indicates nearly one-third of crashes on these routes are hit-and-runs each year. Residents argue that existing bike lanes and painted markings offer insufficient protection: “Paint on the floor does nothing to protect people, but concrete does,” said Alfredo Valladares Jr., founder of Gage Park Cyclists.
Efforts are underway by city officials to add protected bike lanes and other safety features along hazardous corridors such as Archer Avenue and Pulaski Road. However, some residents have protested these changes due to concerns about traffic congestion near businesses. Still, advocates maintain that street safety should be prioritized: “Safety is universal,” Valladares said.
As police continue their search for the driver involved in Sunday’s fatal crash—a red Ford Explorer—community members urge anyone with information to contact authorities or submit tips anonymously online.
