Pedestrian Fatalities

By Austin Busch.

Note: While this is the first pedestrian or bike fatality I've seen in news reports in 2026, it appears there were some other crash deaths this year that haven't been reported yet. Streetsblog Chicago will provide an update on these cases soon.

On in the evening of Wednesday, November 19, 2025, a motorist fatally struck beloved former Tribune Media Services Senior Vice President Walter Mahoney, 74, while he was on one of his regular walks near his home in Western Springs. Streetsblog Chicago reported on the case in December, and the details of the incident that were available at the time can be found in that previous article.

Tragically, on Friday morning, after a driver dropped off a dog to Wanda Mejia, 35, in the River North neighborhood, the motorist accelerated and struck her as Mejia walked away, causing fatal injuries.

Correction 12/19/25, 3:45 PM: Based on a Google Streetview image I was referred to by one of Walter Mahoney's former coworkers, I reported that Mahoney was struck in a marked intersection with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons. However, I have since been informed that the image was outdated, and the crosswalk and Beacons were removed in 2022. This article has been update accordingly. I apologize for the error.

Tragically, it appears a male pedestrian was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver last Saturday night in Roseland.

Tragically, a 72-year-old minivan driver fatally struck Juslene Akeza, 4, as she was crossing the street last Wednesday during the evening rush in the West Ridge neighborhood. The motorist was cited for negligent driving.

By Molly Brown