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
David Huerta Released on Bond for Attempted Obstruction of ICE, Cosplays as Trump's Political Prisoner

U.S. Attorney Essayli Challenges California Over Potential Enforcement of ‘No Masks for ICE’ Law

California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently intensified his fiery rhetoric against ICE…
Coast Guard joins search for diver who vanished in Hawaii

Coast Guard participates in search for missing diver in Hawaii

The U.S. Coast Guard joined the search for a 44-year-old diver who…
LA assault suspect plays freeway Frogger to evade arrest: video

Suspect in LA Assault Attempts Dangerous Freeway Escape: Caught on Video

A hop, skip and arrest. A suspect involved in an assault tried…
President Donald Trump attends Ryder Cup in Bethpage for 'Tournament Friday'

Former President Donald Trump Joins ‘Tournament Friday’ at Ryder Cup in Bethpage

BETHPAGE, New York — President Donald Trump arrived on Long Island on…
Shooter at NFL Headquarters Had CTE, Medical Examiner Confirms

CTE Confirmed in Gunman at NFL Headquarters, Says Medical Examiner

Shane Tamura, a Las Vegas casino worker, shot and killed four people…
Assata Shakur, Black Liberation Activist, Dies in Havana

Remembering Assata Shakur: Influential Black Liberation Activist Passes Away in Havana

Shakur’s case had long been a thorny issue in the fraught relations…
Private equity sees profits in power utilities as electric bills rise and Big Tech seeks more energy

Private Equity Eyes Profits in Power Utilities as Energy Bills Soar and Demand from Big Tech Grows

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Private investment firms fueling America’s race in artificial…
Iranian-Americans and dissidents rallied against 'murderous regime agents' as Iran's president addressed UNGA

Iranian-Americans and Dissidents Protest ‘Murderous Regime Agents’ During Iranian President’s UNGA Speech

As Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered his first address to the United…
Jacksonville daughter seeks justice in father's livestream death

Daughter in Jacksonville fights for justice after father’s death during livestream

Makaylee Sullivan is calling for justice after the livestreamed death of her…
Fugitive dad Travis Decker confirmed dead as DNA matches remains found in Washington state: officials

DNA Confirms Remains Found in Washington State are of Fugitive Father Travis Decker: Officials

Authorities have now verified that the human remains discovered in the Washington…
Gazan boy alive after ex-GHF 'whistleblower' falsely claimed IDF killed him

Gaza Boy Found Safe After False Claims by Former GHF Whistleblower About IDF Involvement

A young Gazan boy dubbed “Amir,” who traveled to a Gaza Humanitarian…
Travis Decker manhunt: Autopsy cannot be performed on fugitive father's body, Chelan County coroner says

Chelan County Coroner: Autopsy Unavailable on Fugitive Father, Travis Decker, Following Manhunt

New information has emerged that confirms human remains found near a secluded…