Driver strikes bicyclist near Thele Road then flees scene
November 25, 2025 | Elwood, IL
A hit-and-run crash on November 25 along Illinois 53 near Thele Road claimed the life of DeAvion Smith, a 25-year-old from Joliet.
Illinois State Police are seeking public assistance to identify the fleeing driver.
DeAvion Smith, 25, of Joliet died after a vehicle hit him while he rode his bicycle along Illinois 53 near Thele Road in Elwood.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident occurred between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. when an unknown vehicle struck Smith while he rode his bicycle. The driver fled, and Smith was found the next morning around 8:30 a.m. He was pronounced dead at Saint Joseph Medical Center after an autopsy by the Will County Coroner's Office.
- Date and Time: Nov. 25, 2025, between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Illinois 53 near Thele Road, Elwood, Will County.
- Victim: DeAvion Smith, 25, of Joliet.
- Vehicle Involved: Suspected 2007–2013 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
- Evidence Recovered: Front headlight and portion of a bumper.
- Agency: The Illinois State Police is leading the investigation.
Authorities urge witnesses or those with dashcam footage to contact the Illinois State Police.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Happen?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from factors like poor visibility, road conditions, and driver negligence. Nationally, these crashes have risen 60% since 2009, per the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, with pedestrians and cyclists disproportionately affected.
In Illinois, the Department of Transportation's 2023 Crash Facts report documented 1,169 fatal crashes and 1,269 deaths. While specific hit-and-run data varies, bicyclists face heightened risks on highways like Illinois 53.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Fatal Crashes in Illinois (2023) |
1,169 |
Illinois DOT |
Total Deaths in Illinois (2023) |
1,269 |
Illinois DOT |
National Hit-and-Run Frequency |
Every 43 seconds |
AAA Foundation |
Increase in Hit-and-Run Crashes Since 2009 |
60% |
AAA Foundation |
Primary Victims |
Pedestrians and Cyclists |
AAA Foundation |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, conducting an independent investigation promptly is crucial to protect rights.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
- Thorough examination of scene factors like lighting and signage can establish negligence.
- Timely independent investigations help secure evidence before it degrades.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Pending results, Smith's family may explore a wrongful death claim to seek damages.
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., maintains an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous standards ensure verified reporting, with a 24-hour review guarantee under our Corrections Policy. This story draws from authoritative sources like the Illinois Department of Transportation and AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).