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
Gavin Newsom caves as California enforces English tests for truck drivers

Gavin Newsom Backs Implementation of English Proficiency Tests for California Truck Drivers

In a significant policy shift, California Governor Gavin Newsom has decided to…
Federal court clears way for Ten Commandments to be displayed in Louisiana public school classrooms

Landmark Ruling: Ten Commandments Approved for Louisiana Classrooms – What This Means for Public Schools

A federal appeals court has paved the way for a controversial Louisiana…
'It never fades,' says widow who lost NYPD husband

Heartache and Heroism: Widow of NYPD Officer Shares Unfading Memories

In a move that could significantly ease financial burdens, the widows of…
Pacific Palisades wildfire recovery plan calls for nearly $1 billion in upgrades

Pacific Palisades Unveils Ambitious $1 Billion Wildfire Recovery and Upgrade Initiative

An ambitious recovery blueprint for the Pacific Palisades wildfire zone is set…
Avalanches in Utah kill 11-year-old girl, father snowmobiling with son in state's first 2 fatalities of season

Tragic Avalanches in Utah Claim Lives of Father and 11-Year-Old Daughter, Marking State’s First Fatalities of the Season

Tragedy struck in Utah this week as two separate avalanches claimed the…
Horrifying moment Stanford swimmer collapses in the pool after grueling race

Stanford Swimmer’s Collapse Shocks Spectators After Intense Race

The swimming world was left in shock after a chilling incident at…
Pittsburgh Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski dies at age 89

Baseball Icon and Pittsburgh Pirates Legend Bill Mazeroski Passes Away at 89

Bill Mazeroski, forever immortalized for delivering the most iconic home run in…
Pritzker campaign letter demands $8.6 billion refund for Illinois families after SCOTUS strikes down Trump's sweeping tariffs

Pritzker Pushes for $8.6 Billion Refund for Illinois Families Following Supreme Court’s Tariff Ruling

CHICAGO (WLS) — Governor JB Pritzker’s campaign office issued a statement on…
Scott Bessent attacks Gavin Newsom: 'Glass jaw, slow brain'

Scott Bessent Slams Gavin Newsom: Unmasking the ‘Glass Jaw, Slow Brain’ Controversy

Scott Bessent recently delivered a scathing critique of Gavin Newsom, describing the…
High school teacher arrested in alleged sex case involving student

Shocking Allegations: High School Teacher Arrested for Inappropriate Conduct with Student

A teacher from Georgia found herself in legal trouble this past Wednesday…
800 small businesses demand refunds after Supreme Court decision

Supreme Court Ruling Spurs Refund Requests from Hundreds of Small Businesses

A coalition of more than 800 small businesses adversely affected by President…
An Anti-Newsom Superbowl Ad Is the Prick Needed to Deflate Gavin's Massive Ego

California Governor Gavin Newsom Complies with Federal Mandates Following $40 Million Funding Freeze

California Governor Gavin Newsom spent considerable time pushing back against the enforcement…