Person of interest questioned after bicyclist killed in hit-and-run on Chicago's Northwest Side
CHICAGO - A bicyclist was struck and killed in a hit-and-run Wednesday night in the Old Irving Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side.
Nick Parlingayan, 22, was riding his bike around 9:20 p.m. in the 3800 block of North Milwaukee Avenue when he was struck by a black-colored 2020-2022 Nissan Versa, police said.
Parlingayan was knocked off his bike and hit his head, police said.
Paramedics took him to Illinois Masonic Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, according to police.
The driver of the Nissan did not stop and fled the scene northbound.
Police said the vehicle should have damage to the front passenger-side bumper and headlight.
On Thursday, police confirmed they were questioning a person of interest in this case.
Parlingayan was known for his kindness, said his longtime neighbor, Stuart Henrichs, who said police came to his door to deliver the tragic news.
"He was always friendly and able to help whenever anybody had asked," Henrichs said. "Just being kind. He was a good person and you don’t come across that all too often anymore. He was a very kind person. I can't believe this. I really can't."
Parlingayan's family issued the following statement:
"We, the whole family, are still grieving for the loss of Nico, he was very bright, very kind and very sweet and is loved by many. Currently, we ask for privacy because this is a first for us, to lose someone tragically, and the accident is still under investigation. Lastly, for those involved in the accident, I hope they'll have the heart to come clean and do the right thing."
This is a stock image of what the suspected vehicle looked like in the deadly hit-and-run crash | Chicago police
Another bicyclist, Carla Aiello, was fatally struck by a truck driver in the same block in November 2019.
Aiello, who was a mother and teacher,was killed when a truck driver struck her while making a right turn from Milwaukee Avenue onto Kilbourne Avenue.
A ghost bike is displayed in memory of Aiello, right across the street from the location where Parlingayan was hit.