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Comment by Andrew Bedno on February 20, 2014 at 1:25pm

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140220/near-west-side/cyclist-kill...

CHICAGO — Hector Avalos would've turned 29 on Saturday.

The former Marine and aspiring chef 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.

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.

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.

Avalos was struck by the van just before midnight in the 2500 block of West Ogden Avenue. His mother said Avalos rode his bike everywhere.

The van's driver, 54-year-old Robert Vais, had a blood alcohol content of .118, above the legal limit of .08, prosecutors said.

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.

According to relatives and co-workers, Avalos was studying to become a chef. He had served in the Marine Corps for five years.

Avalos' girlfriend of three years, Cristina Valencia, 27, said her boyfriend was funny and energetic.  "He loved to dance and have a good time."

His death "was very reckless, there's nothing we can change about that," she said.

Vais' attorney called the crash "a tragic accident" and said his client's "condolences go out to the family."