Comments - Hector Avalos birthday observance. - The Chainlink2024-03-29T15:02:37Zhttps://thechainlink.org/events/comment/feed?attachedTo=2211490%3AEvent%3A797295&xn_auth=nohttp://www.dnainfo.com/chicag…tag:thechainlink.org,2014-02-21:2211490:Comment:7971622014-02-21T00:25:59.501ZAndrew Bednohttps://thechainlink.org/profile/AndrewBedno
<p><a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140220/near-west-side/cyclist-killed-by-alleged-drunken-driver-be-honored-at-benefit-saturday">http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140220/near-west-side/cyclist-killed-by-alleged-drunken-driver-be-honored-at-benefit-saturday</a></p>
<p>CHICAGO — <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/people/hector-avalos" target="_self">Hector Avalos</a> would've turned 29 on Saturday.</p>
<p>The…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140220/near-west-side/cyclist-killed-by-alleged-drunken-driver-be-honored-at-benefit-saturday">http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140220/near-west-side/cyclist-killed-by-alleged-drunken-driver-be-honored-at-benefit-saturday</a></p>
<p>CHICAGO — <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/people/hector-avalos" target="_self">Hector Avalos</a> would've turned 29 on Saturday.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20131207/near-west-side/driver-crash-that-killed-cyclist-may-have-been-drunk-police-say" target="_self">former Marine and aspiring chef</a> was killed on Dec. 6 when a van crashed into him as he cycled home from work. The van's driver was drunk behind the wheel, authorities said.</p>
<p>In honor of Avalos' birthday, his former colleagues at El Hefe, the Mexican restaurant and nightclub at 15 W. Hubbard St., are hosting a benefit on Saturday. Avalos had worked there as a cook since May.</p>
<p>From 3-7 p.m., friends and relatives will gather with photos and donation boxes. General manager Justin Massei said the restaurant would donate 100 percent of the afternoon's proceeds to the Avalos family.</p>
<p>Avalos was struck by the van just before midnight in the 2500 block of West Ogden Avenue. His mother said <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20131209/near-west-side/ghost-bike-memorializes-marine-killed-while-riding" target="_self">Avalos rode his bike everywhere</a>.</p>
<p>The van's driver, 54-year-old Robert Vais, had a <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20131208/near-west-side/suburban-man-charged-with-drunken-driving-crash-that-killed-cyclist" target="_self">blood alcohol content of .118</a>, above the legal limit of .08, prosecutors said.</p>
<p>Vais was charged with felony aggravated DUI causing accidental death and two counts of misdemeanor DUI. He was also cited for failing to reduce his speed.</p>
<p>According to relatives and co-workers, Avalos was studying to become a chef. He had served in the Marine Corps for five years.</p>
<p>Avalos' girlfriend of three years, Cristina Valencia, 27, said her boyfriend was funny and energetic. "He loved to dance and have a good time."</p>
<p>His death "was very reckless, there's nothing we can change about that," she said.</p>
<p>Vais' attorney <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20131208/near-west-side/suburban-man-charged-with-drunken-driving-crash-that-killed-cyclist" target="_self">called the crash "a tragic accident"</a> and said his client's "condolences go out to the family."</p>
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