Hi, my name is Charlie Kim, and I’m creating this GoFundMe in honor of someone who meant so much to me — my friend, my coworker, and one of the closest friends I’ve ever had, Nate.

This past weekend, we lost Nate in a tragic accident. And for anyone who ever met him — at Wasabi in Downers Grove, at Ballydoyle Pub, or anywhere in this community — you already know the kind of light he carried with him. Nate was warm, funny, loyal, and one of the hardest-working people I have ever known. He had this rare ability to make every single person feel welcomed and valued the moment he spoke to them.

Nate’s mother lives in Chile, his brother Pablo is in Sydney, and his sister Angelique is in New York. While his sister is here in the U.S., his family is still separated by thousands of miles, and his mother — who doesn’t speak English — is now facing unimaginable responsibilities on her own.

I’m starting this fundraiser to support Nate’s family with funeral arrangements, transportation, and any expenses they now face during this devastating time. Every dollar donated will go directly to his mother in Chile, with his brother Pablo helping oversee everything.

On a personal level, this loss has shattered me. Nate wasn’t just someone I worked with — he was someone I trusted, confided in, and leaned on when life became heavy. I’m grateful that in his final days we shared some of our best memories: spending time together on Main Street, catching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, and most recently watching the Bears play at Soldier Field. Those moments mean everything to me now.

His family is heartbroken — and so are we here at Wasabi, along with our extended family at Ballydoyle Pub. Nate touched countless lives in our community, and his absence is felt deeply by everyone who knew him.

If Nate ever made you laugh, poured you a drink, lifted your spirits, or simply brightened your day without even trying, I ask from the bottom of my heart: please consider donating or sharing this page. Any support you can offer will help his family during an unimaginable moment of grief.

Thank you all for your kindness, generosity, and love. Nate deserved the world, and we’re coming together to give his family the support they need.