Addison man remembered for giving inspiration to teens via performances
Editor's note: A previous version had an incorrect town for the founder of the MWAH! troupe.
Former members of a teen performance troupe dedicated to giving inspirational messages and support are mourning the death of a peer.
Jonathan Chambers-Green, 19, of Addison died in a motorcycle crash April 27, according to Addison police.
Chambers-Green spent four years as a member of MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe. MWAH stands for Messages Which Are Hopeful.
"He was just a great person, and a great kid. He was so helpful and so kind," said Ray Moffitt of Elmhurst, founder of the troupe.
"He saw what life can be on the rough side and wanted to get the message out."
Chambers-Green joined the troupe after seeing a performance at Indian Trail Middle School in Addison, Moffitt said. The group addressed topics such as bullying, teen suicide, mental health issues and substance abuse.
According to Moffitt, Chambers-Green's father had died early in Chambers-Green's life, and his mother suffered from addiction. Chambers-Green's maternal grandparents raised him, Moffitt said.
The crash happened around 5:24 p.m. in the 800 block of Lake Street. Police say Chambers-Green was driving west on Lake. Witnesses told police Chambers-Green was driving fast and weaving through traffic.
He hit a minivan that was making a left turn into a gas station.
Two children in the minivan were injured, including one who was hospitalized in an intensive-care unit at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.
The crash is still being investigated, Addison Police Sgt. Eric Brant said Monday.
A funeral service was held Monday.