Police are searching for a driver who fled the scene of a violent crash that killed a mother of three early New Year’s Day on Chicago’s Far South Side.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 38-year-old Suzanna Garcia.
The incident occurred just before 5:00 a.m. on Thursday in the 3400 block of East 95th Street, near the 95th Street Bridge over the Calumet River.
According to investigators, a gray GMC SUV struck a pole with significant force.
Garcia, who was a passenger in the SUV, suffered critical injuries to her head and body.
She was rushed to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
When officers arrived at the scene, the driver of the SUV had already vanished.
Authorities are still working to determine if the driver fled on foot or was picked up by another vehicle.
At least 10 people called 911 following the impact, but the driver managed to escape before police could secure the area.
A Family Seeking Justice
Friends and family have set up a memorial of balloons and flowers at the crash site.
They described Garcia as a “loving mother” and expressed heartbreak over the way her life ended.
“She deserved better,” family members said, adding that they are praying for a quick arrest.
The Chicago Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Unit is currently handling the case.
No arrests have been made, and no suspect descriptions have been released.
