THE WORD
- Who: Mariyah Ford, 20, of Sauk Village
- What: Fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian
- Where: Southbound Illinois Route 394 near Joe Orr Road in Lynwood
- When: Shortly after 12:01 a.m. Monday morning
- Status: Illinois State Police are investigating. No arrests or suspect vehicle information have been publicly released.
- What the family says: The vehicle Mariyah was traveling in became disabled before she exited and was struck by a passing vehicle.
The South Suburbs are mourning the heartbreaking loss of 20-year-old Mariyah Ford, a Sauk Village woman whose life was cut short in a hit-and-run crash early Monday morning in Lynwood.
According to ABC 7 Chicago, Illinois State Police responded at approximately 12:01 a.m. to the southbound lanes of Illinois Route 394 near Joe Orr Road after receiving a report that a female pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.
The vehicle involved fled the scene before emergency responders arrived. Mariyah was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead. All southbound lanes were temporarily closed during the investigation and reopened at approximately 3:55 a.m.
While authorities have released limited information about the circumstances surrounding the crash, Mariyah’s family shared additional details with WGN-TV.
Family members said the vehicle they were traveling in had broken down and that Mariyah was standing on the shoulder when she was struck. The driver reportedly continued traveling without stopping.
The Patch reported that Mariyah was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Illinois State Police continue to classify the incident as a hit-and-run and are investigating.
For Mariyah’s loved ones, this is more than another traffic headline. It is the sudden loss of a daughter, relative, friend and young woman whose future was only beginning.
Photos shared by her family have circulated across social media as relatives, friends and members of the South Suburban community mourn her death and call for justice.
As of publication, Illinois State Police have not announced an arrest or publicly released a description of the vehicle or driver believed to be involved.
Anyone who witnessed the crash, captured footage while traveling along Route 394 or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Illinois State Police.
WHATS THE WORD extends its condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Mariyah Ford during this unimaginable time.
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