CHICAGO (WLS) — Tragedy struck late Wednesday night on DuSable Lake Shore Drive as a 49-year-old woman lost her life in a catastrophic motorcycle collision, according to Chicago authorities.
The devastating accident unfolded around 11:30 p.m. in the 400-block area of South DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
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On Thursday, companions and fellow bikers flocked to The Salt Shed, paying homage to Mehnoosh Hatam, an esteemed figure within Chicago’s motorcycling circles, who perished in the heartbreaking overnight crash.
Hatam’s identity was confirmed by her grieving friends and family following the tragic incident. Members of the Chicago United Riders convened for an evening ride, solemnly dedicated to honoring her legacy.
In heartfelt remembrance, group members penned their tributes on a memorial cross, destined to mark the site of her untimely demise.
Hatam, 49, was a member of Chicago United Riders and the founder of a motorbike crew called Illinois Riders Escape. Friends said she advocated for female riders and was known within the riding community for looking out for others.
“Just every single ride that we’ve had with her, every second that we’ve spent with her. She was such an incredible person,” George Nicholson of Chicago United Riders said.
According to Chicago police, the crash happened about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday on DuSable Lake Shore Drive near Navy Pier. Police said a 25-year-old woman driving a gray sedan southbound struck Hatam, who was riding a motorcycle in the same direction.
Close friends said Hatam was headed home from work at the time of the crash.
Hatam was taken to Northwestern Hospital, where she died.
“Anytime we were out there on these rides, if something happened, she was the one to pull over and check on you. She would never leave you behind. She always made sure everybody was safe, so it hard to be here without her,” Laura Burnes of Chicago United Riders said.
Fellow rider Mike Dobiga said Hatam had planned to attend the gathering before the crash.
“We know that she was planning on being here tonight, that about ten minutes before that accident, she was talking about her plans to come here. So one of the things we definitely want this ride to be tonight is we want it to be as fun as she expected it to be,” Dobiga said.
Police said the 25-year-old driver was not injured and was taken into custody. Charges and citations are pending.
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