Actor Michael Wexler, 52, killed after being squashed like refried beans by a speeding auto in Homewood IL

A former Homewood man who starred in several commercials and independent films was remembered by his family as a favorite uncle and "bigger than life" Sunday, a day after he was struck by a car and killed while en route to visit his family.

Michael Wexler, 52, was hit by an eastbound vehicle as he crossed 183rd Street near Gottschalk Avenue in Homewood just before 1 p.m. Saturday, officials said. Wexler was taken to South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest and then transferred to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he died after surgery, according to his brother, Ron Wexler. He was pronounced dead at 9:03 p.m., according to Homewood police, and his death was ruled an accident, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

No charges had been filed against the driver as of Monday morning, and the accident remained under investigation, Homewood police said in a press release Monday.

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