Police release stock photo of SUV after 18-year-old killed in Southwest Side hit-and-run

Damien Gomez was on his way to pick up food when a speeding driver hit him in the 6300 block of South Kedzie Avenue.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered bicycle reflector, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash that took a young life.The aftermath of a tragic hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of an 18-year-old delivery driver, exposing the urgent need for improved traffic safety in Chicago.Chicago Today

Chicago police released a stock picture of the red SUV wanted in a hit-and-run crash that killed an 18-year-old delivery driver in Chicago Lawn on Sunday. Damien Gomez was on his way to pick up food when a speeding driver hit him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger inside the red SUV was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes are a major problem in Chicago, with many drivers fleeing the scene after causing serious injuries or fatalities. This incident highlights the need for better traffic enforcement and safety measures to protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

The details

According to police, a red sport utility vehicle sped through a red light, hitting Gomez while he was riding his bike in the 6300 block of South Kedzie Avenue. The driver of the red SUV fled the scene, leaving Gomez dead and a passenger in critical condition.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Police released a stock photo of the red 2015 Ford Explorer on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Damien Gomez

An 18-year-old delivery driver who was killed in the hit-and-run crash.

Claudia Torres

Damien Gomez's mother, who is seeking justice for her son's death.

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What they’re saying

“My son was loving and he meant the world to me. We had big plans for Easter Sunday, but that day turned to tragedy when my son never came home.”

— Claudia Torres, Damien Gomez's mother

What’s next

Police are asking anyone with information about the red SUV or the incident to contact Major Accidents at 312-745-4521.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run highlights the need for improved traffic safety measures and better enforcement to protect vulnerable road users in Chicago. The community is rallying around Damien Gomez's family to seek justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.