Funds Raised to Help Pizza Maker Hit by Train Sunday Night

Chicago, IL - A GoFundMe effort has surfaced to help support a bicyclist who was critically injured Sunday night after being hit by a train on the city’s Southwest Side.

The bicyclist, a 52-year-old man, was struck by a freight train after he rode his bike around warning signals onto the track near 59th and Narragansett in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. An eastbound BNSF train pushed him into a westbound train.

A GoFundMe page made to support the victim has raised $1,736 as of 2 p.m. on Monday. The funding effort identified the victim as “Nick,” who works at Obbie’s Pizza on Archer Avenue. It said he was riding his bike home from St. Daniel’s carnival when the incident unfolded.

“We are hoping and praying that he makes it through with his life,” the page creator wrote. “I know he doesn't make a lot from working at Obbie’s, so I just wanted to help him in any way possible... We all know and love Nick as the guy who makes pizzas at Obbie’s. He (is) usually the first person you see when you walk in. He is a great guy, really kind hearted.”

AnnMarie Macha, the victim’s cousin, said when he recovers he will be “hit with mounting medical bills,” and he has no medical or life insurance.

The funding goal is $10,000.

An initial report indicated the victim died from the incident, but later reports indicated he arrived at the hospital in critical condition.