A tragic early morning crash on Chicago’s Southwest Side has left a young delivery worker dead and a community searching for answers.
Around 1:20 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a collision at the intersection of 63rd Street and South Kedzie Avenue. Authorities say a red SUV ran a red light and struck a bicyclist, killing him at the scene.
The victim has been identified as 18-year-old Damian Gomez. According to his family, Gomez had recently graduated from Hubbard High School and was working with DoorDash, riding his bicycle to complete deliveries and earn extra income.
The impact didn’t stop there. The SUV also collided with a silver car that had the right of way and was traveling south through the intersection. A 22-year-old woman who was a passenger in the SUV was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition. Meanwhile, a 60-year-old woman from the other vehicle was treated at the scene.
Police say the driver of the SUV fled on foot before officers arrived, turning the crash into a hit-and-run investigation.
Local safety advocates have long raised concerns about the intersection. Data shows dozens of crashes have occurred in the immediate area, including multiple hit-and-run incidents.
As investigators continue their work, the loss of a young life has deeply impacted the neighborhood, with many calling for safer streets and accountability.
