De’Avion Smith Killed in Elmwood Hit-and-Run Car Accident

Truck Accident - December 9, 2025

De’Avion Smith Died in Hit-and-Run Collision With Pickup Truck Along Route 53 in Elmwood

De’Avion Smith Killed in Elwood Hit-and-Run Car Accident

ELMWOOD, ILLINOIS (December 8, 2025) – A man identified as De’Avion Smith has tragically died in an Elmwood hit-and-run car accident along Route 53 at Tehley Road.

Peoria County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:15 PM on November 24. De’Avion Smith was riding his bicycle to work when he was hit by a black 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.

The driver of the pickup truck did not remain at the scene and is currently being sought by police. Authorities were able to locate De’Avion Smith the next morning.

He was taken to a local hospital with major injuries. Sadly, De’Avion Smith was pronounced dead at the hospital. Illinois State Police are asking the public to reach out to them if they may have witnessed the collision.

Part of the headlight and the bumper from the pickup truck were recovered from the crash site. You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe.

According to the online fundraiser, “De’Avion was a hard working young man who loved god , his family members, friends and church members. He brought joy and laughter to everyone who came in contact with. One of his dreams was to become a NASCAR driver. He loved cars,racing, music and dancing. Words cannot express how heartbroken we are that his life was cut short by a careless and reckless driver.”

Liability for Elmwood Car Accidents

Every driver in Illinois has a legal obligation to use caution to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or bicyclist on the roadway. They must operate their vehicle at a safe speed at all times. Pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, “every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian, or any person operating a bicycle or other device propelled by human power and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary.” There are a number of ways that a driver may have acted negligently before hitting a pedestrian.

  • Speed: A driver may have been traveling at an unsafe speed given the prevailing road conditions.
  • Lane Changes: A driver may have made an unsafe lane change in the roadway.
  • Separation: A driver may have failed to maintain at least 3 feet of separation away from any bicyclist.
  • Fatigue: A driver may have been fatigued after working for extended periods.

When a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with any cyclist on the roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Depending on the facts of any case, there could be several liable parties for any bicycle accident. For example, a business entity could be liable for a car accident if one of their drivers hit someone. Pickup trucks and vans are routinely used for work purposes. As a general rule, employers can be vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees who were working within the course and scope of their job duties.

Steps to Take After Elmwood Hit-and-Run Collisions

Many people are seriously injured or killed every year in accidents with hit-and-run drivers. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “In 2016, there were 1,980 fatal hit-and-run crashes resulting in 2,049 fatalities. This is the highest annual number of hit-and-run fatalities or crashes recorded since NHTSA began compiling statistics on fatal motor vehicle crashes in 1975.” It is important that certain actions are taken after any hit-and-run collision.

  • Police: The police should be called to the scene as early as possible so that they can begin an official investigation.
  • Evidence: All of the evidence associated with the accident should be carefully collected and preserved.
  • Medical Records: The medical records related to the victim’s injuries should be gathered as well. They can help create a clear picture of what happened.
  • Accident Review: The family of any person who died in a hit-and-run collision should carefully consider their legal options with experienced legal counsel.

The vast majority of bicycle accidents are totally preventable. They tend to involve situations where drivers are not paying adequate attention to the road ahead of them. Any person injured due to the negligent actions of a driver may be able to pursue some measure of justice and accountability through a civil action. This right extends to the surviving family members of the deceased.

Investigating Elmwood Hit-and-Run Car Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of De’Avion Smith. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. The driver responsible should do the right thing and come forward. It is never too late to do the right thing.

Do you need more information about an Elmwood hit-and-run car accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping victims get the support and resources that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.