Young Cyclist Killed In Memorial Day Crash Also Lost His Parents To A Car Wreck, Family Says

Yader "Yak" Castaneda, an 18-year-old cyclist, was fatally struck by a Hummer while riding Downtown on May 26. His family and bicycle safety advocates held a vigil at the crash site to honor him and to install a "ghost bike," a memorial aimed at raising awareness of cyclist safety. The driver, a 65-year-old man, received a ticket for failing to reduce speed, and police confirmed that their investigation is ongoing. Frank Castaneda, Yader's brother, expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “It just never gets easier. ” Christina Whitehouse, from Bike Lane Uprising, pointed out the inadequate cyclist infrastructure in the area, stressing the dangers faced by cyclists in one of Chicago's densest neighborhoods.

Yader was remembered for his passion for barbering, with a friend recalling him as “the hardest worker” and “the funniest guy. ” Advocacy for safer streets continues to grow, as highlighted by the turnout at the vigil. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved cyclist safety measures in the city.