A Tragic Loss and a Legacy of Advocacy
On October 10, 2005, a quiet evening in West Chicago, Illinois, turned devastating when a high-speed collision claimed the lives of 23-year-old Nicole Marie Westerhoff (née Donovan) and her 4-year-old son, Devin James Westerhoff. Nicole, a young mother with dreams of working with developmentally disabled children, and her only child were traveling together when tragedy struck.
Nicole was on her way home from her dad's house to give Devin a bath. The crash occurred when a 27-year-old man driving a Ferrari at over 100 miles per hour crossed the centerline and collided head-on with Nicole’s vehicle. The impact was catastrophic, leaving no survivors. The driver of the Ferrari, who had a documented history of speeding violations, also lost his life in the crash.
Nicole’s parents, Michael and Kimberly Donovan, along with her husband, Harry "Buddy" Westerhoff, and Nicole's step-mom Natalie, were left to grapple with the devastating loss of their daughter and grandson. Nicole had been a vibrant young woman, deeply loved by her family, and Devin was the center of her world—a joyful, curious child whose life had barely begun. Together, they were laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.
A Father’s Mission: Turning Grief Into Action
The immense grief following Nicole and Devin’s deaths could have easily paralyzed Michael Donovan, but instead, it ignited a mission. Determined to prevent other families from enduring the same pain, Michael co-founded FACES4 (Families Against Chronic Excessive Speed), a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and advocating for stricter traffic laws.
FACES4 became a platform for Michael to share his family’s story and educate the public about the deadly consequences of reckless driving. He worked tirelessly, attending events, speaking to lawmakers, and partnering with communities to spread the message that excessive speed kills.
Sharing Their Story: A Call for Change
In July 2019, nearly 14 years after the tragedy, Michael Donovan stood before an audience to share his family’s story once more. He spoke of Nicole’s passion for life and her dream of learning sign language to help children with developmental challenges. He described Devin’s laughter and the joy he brought to those around him. And he spoke of the moment their lives were taken, all because of a decision to drive recklessly.
“Speeding isn’t just breaking the law,” Michael told the crowd. “It’s playing with lives—your own and others’. My daughter and grandson didn’t have to die. If one person had made a different choice, they’d still be here.”
Michael’s advocacy struck a chord. His words underscored the harsh reality that speeding is not a victimless crime. It destroys families, shatters communities, and leaves a trail of irreversible loss.
Closing a Chapter: Michael Donovan’s Farewell to Activism
By October 2019, after years of tireless advocacy, Michael Donovan made the difficult decision to step down from his role at FACES4. His leaving marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in his life, one defined by resilience, dedication, and love for his family.
Michael’s decision was not an easy one. Though his work had created lasting change and saved countless lives, the emotional toll of reliving the tragedy day after day, year after year had become overwhelming. Stepping away allowed him to focus on his personal healing and his relationship with his family, who had supported him throughout his journey.
A Lasting Legacy
The deaths of Nicole and Devin Westerhoff remain a somber reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. Their story inspired changes in traffic safety awareness and enforcement, and Michael Donovan’s advocacy left an indelible mark on the fight against excessive speed.
Though his official activism ended in 2019, Michael’s efforts through FACES4 laid a foundation for continued progress. Nicole and Devin’s legacy lives on, both in the lives saved by these efforts and in the enduring reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, love and determination can bring about meaningful change.
Michael Donovan’s work through FACES4 honored their memory by striving to ensure that no other family experiences such profound loss.
Though Nicole and Devin’s lives were cut tragically short, their story serves as both a warning and a call to action, reminding us all of the profound consequences of our choices behind the wheel.