One of the three men killed while standing outside the scene of a three-vehicle crash in West Pullman early Wednesday was described as a loving person “who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him.”
Ruben Lujano, whose age wasn’t immediately available, and two other men were fatally struck by a vehicle on Interstate 57 south of 120th Street just after midnight, Illinois State Police said.
Lujano was identified by family, who started a GoFundMe to raise money for his daughters and mother.
“Our family was not prepared for this sudden loss,” the Lujano family wrote.
“Ruben was a loving son and family member who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. He loved music and working on cars, as well as striving towards self-improvement and inner peace. Ruben’s smile was contagious, and his generous and kind nature had a lasting impact on our community.”
Martese J. Williams, 33, address unknown, was also killed in the crash and was identified by the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
The third victim, a 29-year-old man, has not been identified.
The three were pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Five others were taken to hospitals with injuries that were not life-threatening.
State police have shared only scant details on the crash.
Nearly a day later, three people were killed late Wednesday when a vehicle lost control and crashed on I-290 in northwest suburban Itasca, shutting lanes down for over four hours.