Chicago police have detained a person of interest following a tragic death on the city’s West Side.
The victim was 28-year-old Daniel Figueroa of Downers Grove.
Officers found Figueroa unresponsive early Monday morning.
He was discovered in the 5500-block of West Flournoy Street.
This location is just steps away from the Loretto Hospital campus.
The discovery happened shortly after 2:00 a.m.
Emergency crews rushed Figueroa to Mt. Sinai Hospital.
Doctors there later pronounced him dead.
Investigators are now treating this case as a homicide.
They have not yet released the exact cause of death.
Figueroa’s girlfriend, Sandra Guerrero, is speaking out about the loss.
She spoke from her family home in Joliet.
The family was gathered there to celebrate her son’s birthday.
Instead of a celebration, they spent the day in mourning.
Guerrero said she wanted to marry Figueroa.
She last saw him on Sunday night.
He had just finished a shift working for Amazon.
He decided to work extra hours for UberEats to support his family.
He never returned home from those deliveries.
His mother called Guerrero at 7:00 a.m. to deliver the news.
Guerrero described her boyfriend as a selfless man.
She said he treated her son like his own child.
He was known for his love of fishing and helping others.
The family is now calling for justice.
Uber released a statement offering condolences to the family.
The company said they are cooperating with the Chicago Police.
Loretto Hospital also shared a message of sympathy.
Hospital officials said they are assisting law enforcement in the active investigation.
No formal charges have been filed against the person of interest yet.
Recent History
The Austin neighborhood has seen a troubling rise in crimes against service workers.
Last year, several delivery drivers reported armed robberies within a five-block radius of Flournoy Street.
The 5500-block of West Flournoy is a busy corridor due to its proximity to the hospital.
Police have increased patrols in the area recently following similar late-night incidents.
In 2025, the West Side recorded several “gig worker” targeted thefts.
Community leaders have previously asked for better lighting on streets near Loretto Hospital.
This incident marks another blow to the safety of workers in the local delivery economy.
Chicago police continue to look for witnesses who may have been in the area at 2 a.m.
The investigation remains open as detectives interview the person in custody.
