Family remembers Gary man killed days before birthday in crash involving off-duty police officer

Fatal Crash Family remembers Gary man killed days before birthday in crash involving off-duty police officer Alonso Jose Lopez charged with causing death when operating vehicle while intoxicated, reckless homicide of Thomas Hunt Jr., 73 By Tre Ward Friday, November 6, 2026 4:38AM Thomas Hunt Jr.'s family is remembering the Gary man, killed days before his birthday in a crash involving off-duty Hammond officer Alonso Jose Lopez. HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) -- The family of Thomas Hunt Jr. is mourning the loss of the 73-year-old Gary man who was killed days before his Oct. 19 birthday in a crash that authorities say involved an off-duty Hammond police officer. The collision occurred Oct. 16 near 165th Street and Columbia Avenue in Hammond. Investigators say Hammond Police Officer Alonso Jose Lopez, who was off duty at the time, was speeding in his pickup truck before it struck Hunt's SUV. Hunt's brother, John Hunt, said investigators told him Lopez was on his way to work and was under the influence at the time of the crash. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch John Hunt described his brother as the oldest of 13 siblings and the patriarch of a large family. "He took being the oldest brother extremely important. He felt that was a priority," John Hunt said. Family members said Thomas Hunt Jr. played a significant role in supporting relatives throughout his life. "His ability to adapt and live and make things happen for the family was substantial. And, that legacy that he left, that will be lost," John Hunt said. Nearly a week after the crash, Lopez was charged with two felonies : causing death when operating a vehicle while intoxicated and reckless homicide. John Hunt said he was troubled by the allegations against the officer. "It was an insult that you have an officer that would go to work, on his way to work, drunk, and his job, or even her job, is to ensure that we're safe," he said. Family remembers Gary man killed days before birthday in crash involving off-duty police officer 29 minutes ago Illinois House Speaker Welch will not seek another term as speaker after Democrats call for change 1 hour ago UIC student victims speak out after knife attack at student center; suspect in custody Lopez has been placed on administrative leave while Indiana State Police continue to investigate the crash. "It's safety of the citizens, and for him to unequivocally not take that seriously is a problem," John Hunt said. According to his family, Thomas Hunt Jr. worked at the Gary Works steel mill for more than 50 years before his death. Relatives are planning a memorial next weekend at his childhood home in Gary. As the family prepares to honor Hunt's life, they continue to reflect on the loss of a brother, family leader and longtime steelworker whose death came just days before his 74th birthday. Lopez is scheduled to return to court Friday morning. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics HAMMOND INDIANA FATAL CRASH CAR CRASH CRASH POLICE OFFICER SUSPENDED POLICE OFFICER DUI DUI CRASH OFFICER CHARGED OFFICER ARRESTED MAN KILLED EXCLUSIVE Man riding scooter killed in crash with CPD vehicle in Bridgeport 26-year-old man killed in I-88 crash that seriously injured another Private jet involved in Florida plane crash registered to LLC based in Delaware 9 dead after jet nosedives, erupts into fireball near busy FL roadway Watch Live ON NOW Welch will not seek new term as speaker after IL Dems call for change 1 hour ago UIC student victims speak out after knife attack at student center Hundreds expected for recent west suburban HS grad's visitation Woman dies after being found at lake in Busse Woods: officials How high-tech ATF lab helped solve murder of CPD officer: Exclusive 27 minutes ago Before 'SNL' writer’s sister vanished, court filings described threats and fear Chicago-area animal shelter takes in 17 chinchillas rescued from Ohio 3 hours ago Family of 4 killed in townhome fire on North Side: Chicago police