Motorcyclist Who Died In Hit-And-Run Had 'Kind Heart': GoFundMe

DES PLAINES, IL — The family of a Glen Ellyn man killed after crashing his motorcycle into a car, which then fled the scene, is remembering him for having a "kind heart," who would give anyone the shirt off his back. Nico Watkins, 31, died at the scene of the early morning crash in Des Plaines.

A GoFundMe has been set up for a future memorial service for Watkins. The campaign lists his mother, Debra Brown, as the beneficiary. As of Wednesday afternoon, it has already raised more than $11,000 of a $10,000 goal.

"Nico had a huge heart and left us too soon. He left behind his mom, Debra, his sister, Nicole, and husband, Oscar, his nephew Mateo, and many who loved him," said Alyssa Baratta, who organized the GoFundMe. "Nico's life deserves to be celebrated. His kind heart and memory will live inside all who loved him. Nico was someone who would give you the shirt off his back, but was also a force to be reckoned with."

RELATED: Motorcyclist Killed After Striking Car In Des Plaines — Police

Police said the crash occurred at around 2:10 a.m. in the 900 block of Elmhurst Road. Police found Watkins lying in the roadway, unresponsive. An investigation revealed Watkins was traveling at a high rate of speed on his 2001 Suzuki GSXR in the northbound lanes of Elmhurst Road when he struck a 2018 Ford sedan, which had been exiting a plaza to go southbound. The driver of the sedan fled the scene on foot.

The roadway was closed for nearly six hours following the crash, which remains under investigation.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the Des Planes Police Department at 847-391-5400.