advertisement

Family wants justice for bicyclist killed in Barrington Hills hit-and-run crash

The brother of a Schiller Park bicyclist killed by a hit-and-run driver in Barrington Hills last week says the family wants justice for their loved one who had been recovering from a near-fatal motorcycle crash for the past five years.

Marcin Ryndak said his older brother, 28-year-old Rafal Ryndak, is believed to have been bicycling back home to Schiller Park after visiting someone when the fatal collision occurred after 10 p.m. Friday, May 11, on Route 59 south of Route 68.

"It's so unfortunate, because my family went through this once before," Ryndak said, referring to the motorcycle crash. "I don't know if it's lack of luck or some weird fate, but the family is really suffering."

He is trying to spread the word of Barrington Hills' description of the hit-and-run driver's vehicle - either a black 2010 Toyota Sequoia SUV or a black 2007 or later model Toyota Tundra pickup that likely sustained extensive damage to its passenger side.

No description of the driver has been released.

"We really want to find out who did it and bring some justice," Ryndak said.

Rafal Ryndak barely survived a March 2013 crash that wasn't his fault while riding his motorcycle in Chicago, his brother said. Rafal still wasn't completely recovered, but had become an avid bicyclist instead of getting on a motorcycle again, Marcin said.

Things were just starting to return to normal for the family and Rafal was making preparations to return to school and complete his bachelor's degree after having been delayed by his injury, Marcin said.

The family's GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/rafalryndak) to help with funeral expenses had raised $16,400 in donations by Thursday afternoon, exceeding its original $15,000 goal.

Rafal Ryndak's wake will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, at the Pietryka Funeral Home, 5734 W. Diversey Ave. in Chicago.

The memorial service will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, 8033 Addison St., Chicago, followed by the burial at St. Adalbert Cemetery, 6800 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Niles.

The hit-and-run crash remains under investigation by Barrington Hills police. Those with information are asked to call (847) 551-3006.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.