A grieving mother is pleading for the driver who struck and killed her son in a hit-and-run collision to come forward.

The crash happened on Route 53 near Tehle Road in Elwood on Nov. 25.

Illinois State Police said the victim, who was identified as 25-year-old De'Avion Smith, was hit while riding his bicycle. He wasn’t discovered until the following morning, according to authorities.

“I can’t accept that he’s really gone,” said Tashondra Smith, the victim’s mother. “It hurts, it really really hurts.”

Tashondra Smith was full of life. The oldest of four loved dancing and playing basketball. Faith played an important role in his life, and he was actively involved in his church in Joliet.

“The fact that he had a close relationship with God gives us comfort, and it’s really helping us thr

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