Maria Ochoa, grandma killed in Garfield Ridge, Chicago car crash near Laramie and Archer, remembered as 'caring, loving woman'
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Maria Ochoa’s family, who have lived on the city’s Southwest Side for years, say reckless driving has gotten worse.

And as they plan her funeral, they also want to make sure that nothing like this happens again.

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

Engines revved as cars sped by the debris left behind from a deadly crash that killed 84-year-old Maria Ochoa.

On Monday, her family and community rallied at the Garfield Ridge intersection where she died Saturday.

“She was an exceptional woman who ensured our family’s safety,” shared Fernando Ochoa, the victim’s son. “A very kind, loving woman who never hurt anyone, just going for her usual daily walk.”

As Fernando’s family grieves the loss of his mother, they are calling for changes to Laramie and Archer, as well as other streets in their area.

“There are no speed cameras here. Drag racing happens regularly. It’s like the Indy 500 around here. This must be stopped,” said community activist Raul Montes Jr.

The crowd marched their message along the path that Maria would take on her daily walks.

“We know Archer Avenue has a lot of speeding. We know there’s a lot of drag racing. There’s a lot of accidents. We want to prevent those in the future and to make this terrible tragedy have some meaning,” said family attorney Frank Avila.

Chicago police said on Saturday evening, two cars crashed, and as a result, one of the vehicles hit the beloved mother and grandmother, who later died at the hospital.

Police say of the drivers, a 26-year-old man, was issued multiple citations, including failing to reduce speed.

“I don’t want no one to get hurt or another tragedy to happen again. That’s why I’m asking someone to step up, and maybe, by having a camera, it will slow people down,” Fernando said.

The family says they still have several questions for police. Police say detectives are still investigating.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago crash: Woman injured after concrete crashes through windshield on I-55, daughter says: 'Just horrifying'

Terrifying I-55 Incident: Concrete Shatters Windshield, Injures Chicago Woman – Daughter Shares Harrowing Experience

A Chicago woman is on the mend after a frightening incident where…
Karoline Leavitt's Statement on the Drug Boat Attack Should Close the Issue, But It Won't

EXCLUSIVE: DoW Legal Advisor Confirms Legitimacy of Targeting Vessel Allegedly Carrying Cocaine and Terrorists Aimed at Harm against Americans

RedState Exclusive – December 5, 2025 WASHINGTON – Amidst increasing Democratic scrutiny…
88-year-old Army veteran working at grocery store receives over $1.7M in donations after viral video

Army Veteran, 88, Receives $1.7M in Donations Following Viral Grocery Store Video

In an unexpected turn of events, a wave of generosity has amassed…
Dylan Darling's health is St. John's 'key' they've already missed

Dylan Darling: The Unsung Hero St. John’s Needs for a Winning Season

Rick Pitino is convinced that the struggles St. John’s faced in their…
Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?

Influential Gaza Clan Leader with Ties to Israel Found Dead Amidst Hamas Tensions

A prominent anti-Hamas leader, known for safeguarding Gaza civilians and reportedly supported…
Supreme Court to Consider Trump's Plan to Curb Birthright Citizenship

Supreme Court to Review Trump’s Proposal on Limiting Birthright Citizenship

The Supreme Court has announced that it will review a legal challenge…
Man pleads guilty to 2020 Atlantic Beach murder

Justice Served: Man Admits Guilt in Chilling 2020 Atlantic Beach Murder Case

Hudson Rady, a 25-year-old man, will face sentencing on February 2, 2026,…
Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell moved to new prison amid fight over answers, immunity

Federal Judge Decides to Reveal Epstein Case Grand Jury Documents

A federal judge in Florida has approved the Justice Department’s motion to…
Trump’s Israel-First Policies Accelerate Zionist Gains

Trump’s Pro-Israel Strategies Propel Zionist Advancements: Analyzing the Impact

Donald Trump’s presidency marked a seismic shift in U.S.-Israel relations, far surpassing…
White House deletes ICE video after Sabrina Carpenter rebuke, posts new clip taunting singer

White House Sparks Controversy: Deletes ICE Video After Sabrina Carpenter’s Critique and Drops Sassy New Teaser

In a swift turn of events, the White House found itself embroiled…
Khanna: Trump Administration Is 'Striking Innocents' Like Putin

Khanna Criticizes Trump Administration for Civilian Strikes, Compares Tactics to Putin’s

During Friday’s edition of C-SPAN’s “Ceasefire,” Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) criticized the…
Safety tips for setting up your Christmas tree at home

Ultimate Guide to Safely Setting Up Your Christmas Tree: Top Tips for a Secure and Festive Home

With the festive season approaching, fire officials are advising people to exercise…