Chicago crime: Vigil honors Marcela Herrera, 22, killed in hit-and-run at Ashland, Cullerton on Southwest Side; fiancé injured
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A vigil was held Saturday on the Southwest Side for a young woman who was killed in a hit-and-run crash last weekend.

According to her family, 22-year-old Marcela Herrera was hit by a vehicle while she and her fiancé were on their way home from work on the night of July 19, as reported by ABC7. Sadly, she passed away, while her fiancé sustained severe injuries, the Chicago police confirmed.

Family and neighbors are asking for tips to help find the driver.

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

The accident took place near the intersection of South Ashland Avenue and West Cullerton Street. Authorities reported that the couple was walking along Ashland Avenue when a silver vehicle struck them and immediately fled the scene.

The young woman was immediately transported to the hospital, where she was later declared dead, according to police. Her 21-year-old fiancé was also taken to the hospital, where he remained in serious condition.

Herrera’s family said she had just finished working at the Tacos Y Tamales Festival in Pilsen. Her fiancé had just picked her up and they were walking to get dinner.

Herrera, one of six siblings, lived her life for her family, her relatives told ABC7.

Coming back to the very spot where Herrera and her fiancé were hit by a speeding car wasn’t just about remembering her life, but for her family, it was about making sure their calls for justice were heard, starting at the intersection that has brought them so much pain.

“We all keep saying that we feel like this is a nightmare,” Herrera’s cousin Montse Barrera said.

I saw the car speed past me… And, in a heartbeat, I saw the two people in the intersection, and I saw them hit them.

Each balloon tied and each flower and candle placed on the ground at the vigil did little to hide the heartache felt by Herrera’s family.

“I wish I could just take the pain away,” Barrera said. “I think it’s important for us to be here.”

Herrera’s younger brother, Francisco Herrera, said his favorite dance partner has now been ripped away.

“She always got her coffee, so we brought her her coffee, and this is the first time that I’ve come here,” he said.

Herrera and her fiancé were set to get married next month. Now her family is faced with planning her funeral while police try to track down the person responsible for her death.

“How is there a life without her? Because we grew up together,” Barrera said.

The driver sped away after hitting the engaged couple, police said. That’s when Lisa Pajon, a stranger, jumped out of her car, rushing to the couple left on the ground.

“I saw the car speed past me… And, in a heartbeat, I saw the two people in the intersection, and I saw them hit them,” Pajon said. “I was able to ask him if he was breathing, and he gave me a thumbs up. Then I went over to Marcela and she wasn’t responsive.”

Pajon, who tried to save Herrera’s life, joined her family in a full-circle moment, donning pink shirts at the Lower West Side intersection to create a reminder that their calls for justice won’t rest.

“We are trying to honor her in a way by making something beautiful out of it,” Barrera said. “We’re all united with her.”

Until police make an arrest, Herrera’s family plans to return to the intersection Sunday night to continue to get word out to neighbors here about the unsolved case.

The family has asked anyone with information that could help them to come forward.

No arrests have been made as the Chicago Police Department’s Major Accidents Investigation Unit continues to investigate.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago weather: Storms bring heavy rain across area, with flood advisories in effect BP refinery in Whiting impacted

Chicago Weather Alert: Heavy Rain Leads to Flood Advisories, Affecting BP Refinery in Whiting

CHICAGO (WLS) — Heavy rain fell across the Chicago area Monday night…
Ella Emhoff shares climate anxiety concerns while using plastic bags in social media posts

Ella Emhoff Discusses Climate Anxiety While Facing Backlash for Plastic Bag Use in Social Media Posts

Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of former Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed her struggles…
John Wall retires after 11 NBA seasons

John Wall Announces Retirement After 11 Seasons in the NBA

The 34-year-old spent most of his career with the Washington Wizards, but…
Walmart employee stocking frozen vegetables.

Walmart Alert: Check Lot Codes on Dinner Staple Sold in 13 States Due to Radioactivity Concerns

THE Federal Food and Drug Administration has warned Americans to avoid purchasing…
911 call released of Florida teen who said he killed his parents

Florida Teen Denies Charges in Parents’ Murder Case

On August 12, a grand jury in Clay County charged 14-year-old Trevor…
I Voted for This: The Trump Administration Just Massively Raised the Bar on Who Can Become a U.S. Citizen

The Trump Administration Introduces Stricter Criteria for U.S. Citizenship

It was already evident that the Trump administration was committed to reducing…
Eighth suspect charged in viral Cincinnati street brawl has surprising involvement in case

Eighth Suspect in Viral Cincinnati Street Brawl Faces Unexpected Role in Case

An eighth person allegedly involved in the violent street brawl in Cincinnati…
Even at the grocery store, Texas troopers don't let Democrats out of sight after walkout

Texas Troopers Keep Close Watch on Democrats at the Grocery Store Following Their Walkout

In a bold move, Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier, from AUSTIN, Texas,…

Online Streamer Dies After Alleged Torture and Sleep Deprivation, Two Friends Arrested

AN ONLINE streamer has been found dead after 10 days of reported…
Chicago Police Department leaders were warned of 'problematic patterns' with 1863 tactical team's traffic stops turned searches

Chicago Police Department Leaders Alerted to Concerning Trends in Traffic Stop Searches by the 1863 Tactical Team

CHICAGO (WLS) — When Limorris Bell was pulled over by Chicago police…

DNA Evidence Confirms Police Theory: Fugitive Father Still at Large Over 2 Months After Allegedly Killing 3 Daughters

NEW DNA evidence has confirmed that Travis Decker is the only suspect…

Tragic Collision Results in Fiery Bus Crash: 76 Dead, Including 17 Children, After Accident Involving Truck and Motorbike

AT least 76 people are dead including 17 children after a horrific…