Fundraisers Created For 2 Friends Killed In Wrong-Way Crash On I-88

AURORA, IL — In the wake of the death of three people following a wrong-way crash on Interstate 88 near Aurora, the community is rallying to raise money for two friends who were on their way to visit family when they were fatally struck.

Sariyah Watson and Heaven Williams, both 21, were driving together to DeKalb on Mother's Day when their car was hit head-on around 4 a.m. on the westbound side of the state highway at milepost 112.25 in Sugar Grove, Patch reported.

Watson was a sprinter on track team at University of Illinois at Chicago and majoring in sports management.

"The loss of Sariyah has left a deep void in our hearts, and while the finish line came much earlier than any of us could have imagined, her legacy of strength, speed, and kindness will forever be remembered," wrote Antonio Watson, the creator of the GoFundMe campaign.

RELATED: UIC Athlete, 2 Others Killed In Wrong-Way Crash Near Aurora ID'd: Coroner

Williams was studying to become a nurse.

"Heaven was deeply loved and will always be remembered for her beautiful spirit, kindness, laugh, and caring heart," reads a GoFundMe campaign for her family. "She excelled as a caregiver and had dreams of building a career in nursing, dedicating her life to helping and caring for others. Her compassion touched so many lives, and her presence brought comfort, joy, and warmth to everyone around her."

The fundraisers for both families will go toward burial expenses and other unexpected costs.

The wrong-way driver was also killed in the crash. The Kane County Coroner's Office identified him as Jonathan Rivera, 32, of Melrose Park.

The coroner's office said preliminary findings indicated all three people killed suffered multiple injuries consistent with a car crash. Toxicology samples were sent to a national forensic laboratory for comprehensive analysis.