Chicago Woman Sentenced to 8 Years for Fatal Hit-and-Run Near Belmont Harbor

Bahiyyah Bost pleaded guilty to killing a construction worker and fleeing the scene in 2023

Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A 51-year-old Chicago woman has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for a hit-and-run crash that killed a construction worker near Belmont Harbor in 2023. Bahiyyah Bost pleaded guilty to one count of failing to report a fatal accident after investigators spent over a year building a case against her.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of hit-and-run crashes, especially in construction zones where workers are vulnerable. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether enough is being done to hold repeat offenders accountable for their actions.

The details

Bost struck and killed 45-year-old Kenneth Hernandez as he was working in a clearly marked construction zone on Lake Shore Drive near Belmont Avenue in April 2023. After hitting Hernandez, Bost fled the scene without stopping. She was later involved in two other hit-and-run incidents that same night before being arrested.

  • The fatal crash occurred on April 21, 2023 around 10:50 PM.
  • Bost was arrested about 2 hours after the crash.
  • It took investigators 16 months to build a case against Bost.

The players

Bahiyyah Bost

A 51-year-old Chicago woman who pleaded guilty to one count of failing to report a fatal accident for the 2023 hit-and-run crash that killed a construction worker.

Kenneth Hernandez

A 45-year-old construction worker who was killed in the hit-and-run crash on Lake Shore Drive near Belmont Harbor in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Bahiyyah Bost out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on Chicago's streets, and whether more needs to be done to protect construction workers in active work zones.