Chicago crash: Maria Ochoa Flores ID'd as pedestrian hit by car, killed near Midway Airport on South Archer Avenue, officials say
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — An 84-year-old pedestrian was killed in a crash near Midway Airport on Saturday evening, Chicago police said.

Her family told ABC7 the beloved mother and grandmother would take her evening walks through the area. She was only a block away from her home when she was struck and killed.

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

A memorial grew Sunday night along the path that Maria Ochoa would take during her daily walks. Also growing was a call to action from her family and Garfield Ridge community.

“This has to end,” said Alberto Ochoa, the victim’s son. “My mom, all she was doing was crossing the street, and she’s dead now.”

Police said the crash happened in the 5600-block of South Archer Avenue around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Video posted online shower the aftermath of the crash, with one of the vehicles on its side.

A 26-year-old man was driving a silver vehicle eastbound on Archer Avenue when he tried to make a left turn, police said. His vehicle then collided with a grey sedan, which a 63-year-old man was driving westbound.

The silver vehicle then hit a pedestrian, an 84-year-old woman. She was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified her as Maria Ochoa Flores.

“She was a good woman, never harmed no body,” Alberto Ochoa said. “All she was doing was taking a walk, crossing the street innocently and was run over.”

Maria’s youngest son Fernando, who also lives in the area, said reckless driving is a common problem at the intersection.

“Every night I hear this going on down Archer Avenue, down 55th, nothing but cars drag racing,” Fernando Ochoa said. “The side streets, there’s no speed bumps around here. They’re all over the city, but there’s none in our area.”

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

“There’s always takeovers, drag racing, people blowing red lights,” community activist Raul Montes Jr. said. “It’s an outrage here.”

Maria Ochoa’s family and friends are demanding changes be made to roadways in the area to prevent any more tragedies from happening.

“I want something done now. I want something done now. I want answers,” Fernando Ochoa said. “All I am just asking for is justice for my mother.”

Chicago police said both drivers and their passengers involved in the crash were not injured.

CPD issued citations to the 26-year-old, and Area One detectives are investigating.

Police did not immediately provide further information about the crash.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Fury as major US banks axe 311 branches in end of year massacre

Outrage as Leading US Banks Close 311 Branches in Year-End Restructuring

If you rely on your neighborhood bank branch, it might be time…
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's school night turns awkward with JLo

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s School Night with JLo Takes an Unexpected Turn

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez found themselves in an awkward situation as…
FILE - Rob Reiner talks on the phone at his office at Castle Rock Enterprises, seeking donations for anti-smoking campaigns, July 29, 1988, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)

Legendary Filmmaker and Actor Rob Reiner Passes Away at 78

Rob Reiner, who followed in his legendary father’s footsteps to become a…
Tributes to Rob Reiner pour in from Hollywood and beyond

Hollywood and Global Community Pay Tribute to Rob Reiner

The entertainment world and beyond are in shock after the tragic news…
Erika Kirk to meet Candace Owens for private in-person meeting

Erika Kirk and Candace Owens Set to Convene for Exclusive In-Person Discussion

In a significant development, Erika Kirk has agreed to meet with Candace…
Australian immigrant who tackled gunman 'riddled with bullets,' but 'said he’d do it again,' lawyer says

Australian Immigrant Heroically Intervenes in Shooting Incident, Sustains Multiple Injuries, Lawyer Reports

In a gripping turn of events, Ahmed al Ahmed, an Australian immigrant,…
Monty Python star Eric Idle reveals final words of murdered Rob Reiner

Monty Python’s Eric Idle Shares Emotional Last Words from Late Friend Rob Reiner

Eric Idle has shared that he was in conversation with Rob Reiner…
2 people found dead at Rob Reiner's Los Angeles home, reports say

Tragic Discovery: Two Found Deceased at Rob Reiner’s LA Residence, Reports Confirm

A tragic discovery was made at the Brentwood residence of famed director…