LINCOLN PARK — A Lincoln Park High School teacher was killed Friday in a motorcycle crash in River West.
Alan Nuñez, 32, was riding a motorcycle about 9 p.m. Friday in the 900 block of West Grand Avenue when the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee crossed the center line and hit Nuñez, according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Nuñez was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Jeep’s 38-year-old driver was cited for failing to obey a yield sign, driving without a license and failing to reduce speed, police said.
Nuñez taught physical and health education at Lincoln Park High School. A memorial was set up Monday outside the school, 2001 N. Orchard St., for community members to leave flowers and notes in his honor.
Nuñez’s family did not return requests for comment but has launched a GoFundMe post to raise money for funeral expenses. They wrote that Nuñez was married and had a newborn son.
“He was the heart of our family, always a pleasure to be around,” Nuñez’s family wrote in the post. “He was a great young man, [who] leaves behind his wife and son. He loved his family dearly and would always be there for them.”
Eric Steinmiller, principal of Lincoln Park High School, confirmed Nuñez’s death in a letter sent to the school community.
“This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns and questions for the entire school, especially our students,” Steinmiller said. “Our own counselors, social workers, psychologists and a crisis support team are available, if support is needed.”
Jake Wittich is a Report for America corps member covering Lakeview, Lincoln Park and LGBTQ communities across the city for Block Club Chicago.
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