Woman, 70, killed in Belmont Central hit-and-run crash on way home from church, family says
"She's the sweetest, most generous person I've ever known," daughter says
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 70-year-old woman was killed in a hit-and-run Thursday night in Chicago's Northwest Side Belmont Central neighborhood.
Miriam Grande posed for a photo just last month on her 70th birthday, weeks before tragedy would strike. Police said she was hit by a car and left to die on the pavement.
"She's the best mom we could've ever asked for," said her daughter, Rosio Vargas. "She's the sweetest, most generous person I've ever known. And, the fact she's not here anymore and how she passed, I guess, is what hurts the most."
It happened Thursday night just after 8 p.m. on Grand and Austin on Chicago's Northwest Side.
People who work nearby say the woman was seen walking across the street when another car was traveling northbound on Austin made a left on Grand before striking the woman.
Her body landed in front of Playas Nayaritas Mexican restaurant, right in the view of cameras.
"They pulled up, then pulled back a little bit and then drove away," said Luis Tellez, manager at Playas Nayaritas. "It's not fair, you know? Because, it's a human life."
Family says she was a half-mile from her home at the Senior Suites Belmont Cragin and had come from church.
"Please, please treasure your mom," said Linda Grande, the victim's other daughter. "Hug your mom tight because once they're gone, they're gone."
Grande immigrated from El Salvador in the 80s. Her son called the restaurant from El Salvador.
"He just called trying to find out some answers about the last minutes of his mom," Tellez said. "Nothing that I say will make the lady come back."
Her family is now planning a home going they didn't ask for as they hope the person behind the wheel turns themselves in.
"You still have a chance to do the right thing," Vargas said. "And, I know wherever she is, she forgives you! Just like we forgive you. Because that what my mom wants."
Tellez said police are in possession of that security video that shows the deadly collision. But, at this time, no arrests have been made.
