A tragic crash on Interstate 88 in Aurora has claimed the life of 21-year-old University of Illinois Chicago sprinter Sariyah, along with two others, in a devastating wrong-way collision that unfolded Sunday morning, according to CBS Chicago.
Illinois State Police say Sariyah was traveling in a vehicle when it was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver. Authorities confirmed that the driver who caused the crash was also killed in the impact. A friend who was riding with Sariyah in the vehicle also lost her life, leaving multiple families shattered by the sudden tragedy.
Relatives shared that Sariyah was on her way to DeKalb to visit her mother for Mother’s Day when the crash occurred. What was meant to be a day of love and family turned into unimaginable heartbreak.
Sariyah, a 21-year-old sprinter on the University of Illinois Chicago track and field team, was remembered by teammates and coaches as a driven and talented athlete with a bright future. Known for her discipline on the track and her positive presence off it, she had built strong bonds within the UIC athletics community.
News of the crash has sent shockwaves through campus, with students, staff, and athletes sharing tributes and condolences online. Many described her as hardworking, uplifting, and deeply committed to her sport and her goals.
As investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the wrong-way crash, families are grieving the loss of three lives cut short in an instant. Authorities have not released additional details about why the driver was traveling in the wrong direction.
The University of Illinois Chicago is expected to offer support services for students and athletes affected by the tragedy. Loved ones are now focused on remembering Sariyah not only as a talented sprinter, but as a daughter, friend, and young woman whose life ended far too soon on what was supposed to be a day of celebration.
