DeKalb Track Teammates Killed In Wrong-Way Crash While Driving Home For Mother's Day

Two Young Track Athletes From DeKalb High School Among Three Dead In Fatal Head-On Collision On Interstate 88

The track and field world is mourning the shocking and devastating loss of Sariyah Watson, a 21-year-old University of Illinois Chicago track athlete who was killed in a wrong-way crash on a suburban Chicago road while driving home to celebrate Mother's Day with her family.

Sariyah Watson and her former DeKalb High School teammate Heaven Williams were both 21 and both from DeKalb, Illinois. They were two of three people killed in the crash, according to the Kane County Coroner's Office.

Illinois State Police responded to the crash shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday, May 10, on Interstate 88 in Aurora, according to CBS News Chicago.

A 32-year-old driver from Melrose Park was operating a vehicle into oncoming traffic, going east in the westbound lane when his car collided head-on with a car occupied by the two unsuspecting 21-year-old women. All three people involved were rushed to the hospital where they were all pronounced dead.

Sariyah was a junior member of the UIC women's track and field program and was studying sports management at the university. She was a cherished member of the Flames athletics programs and the Flames Family.

UIC's athletic department released a statement mourning the young athlete. The university's athletics director said the school community's hearts are broken by the tragedy.

On behalf of UIC, the statement extended deepest condolences to Sariyah's family, friends, teammates and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

In addition to her track exploits, Watson was running track together with Williams at DeKalb High School. Both women graduated in 2023.

Friend and fellow athlete Mariah Gonzales told CBS Chicago that she just raced Watson on Friday and saw her at a track meet. Gonzales said it is just crazy how life works and anything can happen.

Watson's father, Antonio Watson, was crushed by the loss. He told reporters there is no script for losing a child.

The finish line came too soon for her, Watson's father said.

According to DMV reports, about half of all collisions occur within five miles of the driver's residence and Watson's unfortunate incident was no different.

Friend Ava Spencer said it was clear Watson was heading home when the crash happened.

She definitely was on her way home because that road is near her house, Spencer said.

The families of Sariyah Watson and Heaven Williams have started GoFundMe campaigns to cover funeral and cremation expenses.

Watson's family started a campaign to cover funeral expenses. Williams' family also started a GoFundMe to help cover cremation and memorial expenses, with a goal of raising $9,000.

Heaven was deeply loved and will always be remembered for her beautiful spirit, kindness, laugh and caring heart, according to the GoFundMe organizers.

Williams excelled as a caregiver and had dreams of building a career in nursing, dedicating her life to helping and caring for others.

The tragedy has sent shock waves through Illinois track and field communities. Young runners who knew Watson described their sense of loss.