Maria Ochoa, grandma killed in Garfield Ridge, Chicago car crash near Laramie and Archer, remembered as 'caring, loving woman'
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Maria Ochoa’s family, who have lived on the city’s Southwest Side for years, say reckless driving has gotten worse.

And as they plan her funeral, they also want to make sure that nothing like this happens again.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Engines revved as cars sped by the debris left behind from a deadly crash that killed 84-year-old Maria Ochoa.

On Monday, her family and community rallied at the Garfield Ridge intersection where she died Saturday.

“She was a great woman. Always made sure our family is always safe,” said Fernando Ochoa, the victim’s son.” A very caring loving woman that never harmed no one, just taking a normal, daily walk that she did every single day.”

Fernando says as their family mourns his mother’s loss, they are demanding that changes be made to Laramie and Archer, as well as the surrounding streets in their neighborhood.

“There’s no speed cameras here. There’s always drag racing. It’s like the Indy 500 right here. This needs to stop,” said community activist Raul Montes Jr.

The crowd marched their message along the path that Maria would take on her daily walks.

“We know Archer Avenue has a lot of speeding. We know there’s a lot of drag racing. There’s a lot of accidents. We want to prevent those in the future and to make this terrible tragedy have some meaning,” said family attorney Frank Avila.

SEE ALSO | Lawmakers, alderpersons demand ‘immediate action’ from IDOT for road safety on SW Side

Chicago police said on Saturday evening, two cars crashed, and as a result, one of the vehicles hit the beloved mother and grandmother, who later died at the hospital.

Police say of the drivers, a 26-year-old man, was issued multiple citations, including failing to reduce speed.

“I don’t want no one to get hurt or another tragedy to happen again. That’s why I’m asking someone to step up, and maybe, by having a camera, it will slow people down,” Fernando said.

The family says they still have several questions for police. Police say detectives are still investigating.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Turns out the BBC is now a pro-Hamas, anti-Trump propaganda machine

BBC Accused of Biased Reporting Favoring Hamas and Criticizing Trump

The BBC recently faced criticism for manipulating footage of former President Donald…
Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown arrested on attempted murder charge in Miami shooting

Former NFL Star Antonio Brown Arrested in Connection with Attempted Murder in Miami Shooting

Former NFL player Antonio Brown has been arrested on charges of attempted…
Judge rules Trump unlawfully ordered National Guard to Portland

Court Declares Trump’s National Guard Deployment to Portland Illegal

In a significant legal setback for former President Trump, a federal judge…
Left-wing New Hampshire professor smeared Charlie Kirk for 'white supremacy' after assassination

New Hampshire Professor Criticizes Charlie Kirk, Linking Him to White Supremacy Debate After Tragic Event

Just a day following the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder…
Jack Schlossberg reportedly eyeing up bid for NYC congressional seat

Jack Schlossberg Considers NYC Congressional Run: Kennedy Legacy Eyes Political Future

John F. Kennedy’s legacy is poised to reignite in the political arena…

Chicago Incident: Suspect Apprehended in Stolen Ambulance Pursuit Following Police-Involved Shooting and Crash on West Side | LIVE Coverage

CHICAGO (WLS) — An intense police operation unfolded on Chicago’s West Side…
Paramount insiders blow the lid on actor 'blacklist'

Revealed: Paramount Insiders Expose Secretive Actor Blacklist

Hollywood is buzzing with speculation over a secretive list that has many…
Target these tights ends at thin position in fantasy football

Top Tight End Picks for Fantasy Football Success

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…