The family of a 50-year-old man who was killed when he was rear-ended on Interstate 80 Friday afternoon said they are angered and distraught by the accident that took the beloved grandfather's life.
"I'm so upset, so angry that someone could be an adult and be so careless," said Lanisha Blockmon, daughter of Walter Blockmon.
Walter Blockmon was killed in a four-vehicle crash near south suburban Hazel Crest. Police said a Toyota SUV rear-ended Blockmon's Dodge car, causing a chain-reaction collision that shut down eastbound lanes of I-80 for roughly three hours.
Blockmon was pronounced dead at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.
The drivers of the Toyota and a Hyundai involved in the crash were taken to hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.
The driver and a passenger in a fourth vehicle were not hurt, police said.
U.S. & World
"This is so surreal, this is so hard," said Blockmon's mother Georgia Blockmon. "It is so hurting. No one believes that this happened."
Family members said police told them the driver who caused the crash may have been texting or looking at their GPS.
"They took away somebody and we won't be able to see him anymore cause of a simple text," Lanisha Blockmon said.
No tickets had been issued and no charges were filed Saturday as the investigation is ongoing, police said.
- Juveniles Accused of Setting Fires, Posting Pictures Online
- Police Say Man Beat Neighbor Over Parking Space
- Daughter's Boyfriend Charged in Flight Attendant's Death
The 50-year-old grandfather was a described as family man who loved his children and grandchildren.
"I will miss my dad calling me every day," Lanisha Blockmon said. "I'll miss him being with his grandchildren. He won't be able to see them grow up, go to prom or college. He'll miss all of that."
Family members said they have a message for drivers:
"Please, please no texting and driving," Lanisha Blockmon said. "Whatever is going on can wait."
Lanisha Blockmon said she may never be able fill the hole the tragedy has left in her family.
"Make sure that you tell your family that you love them every day before you leave because you don't know if you will be able to see that that evening," she said.
