Family demands action after 84-year-old pedestrian killed in SW Side crash: 'Justice for my mother'

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.

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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."

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"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.