Overview
- Second Baptist Church in Joliet hosted a Tuesday night basketball fundraiser to support De'Avion Smith’s family and celebrate his life.
- Illinois State Police say Smith was struck on Nov. 25 between about 6 and 6:30 p.m. on Route 53 near Tehle Road and was not discovered for roughly 14 hours.
- Investigators recovered a headlight and part of a bumper and believe the vehicle may be a black 2007–2013 Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound.
- Authorities are urging witnesses and drivers with dashcam footage from the area to submit tips as the search for the hit-and-run driver continues.
- Smith worked at Amazon and Burger King, was active in his church as a drummer and mentor, and his mother is publicly pleading for the driver to come forward and for tougher penalties for hit-and-run offenses.