72-year-old woman struck, killed by FedEx truck while using walker to cross South Loop street

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago officials said a woman died after being struck by a FedEx truck in the South Loop Monday afternoon.

Police said that just after 2:20 p.m. a box truck driving west was about to turn north onto Wabash at the 1100-block of South Wabash. At the same time, a woman was crossing the street west to east in the crosswalk.

A witness told ABC7 she was using a walker as she crossed the street. The truck struck the woman and she was caught under the vehicle.

"She was underneath and I couldn't hold myself. I got sick, so I - and then, I called 911," said witness Carmelita Caldwell.

She was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition, where she was pronounced dead. The woman was initially reported to be in her 60s, but the Cook County Medical Examiner identified her as 72-year-old Marsha Frankel.

An investigation by the Major Accidents unit is ongoing. The 31-year-old driver was given a breathalyzer on scene but was not issued any citations.

"It was probably a freak accident, but to go that way. My heart goes out to them," Caldwell said.

FedEx released a statement on the fatal crash.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends who are mourning a loved one lost in this accident. Safety is our highest priority, and we are cooperating fully with the investigating authorities at this time," said FedEx Ground External Communications Manager Meredith Miller.