Woman killed in crash near United Center

A 43-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed by a 17-year-old driver in Chicago's Near West Side.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:42pm

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A 43-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Sunday night near the intersection of Ogden Avenue and Ashland Avenue, just a few blocks from the United Center in Chicago. According to police, a 17-year-old driver was traveling eastbound on Ogden in a silver SUV when she struck the woman, who was crossing the street against the traffic signal. The woman suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges of pedestrian safety in urban areas, especially around major venues like the United Center that draw large crowds. It also raises questions about driver education, traffic enforcement, and infrastructure improvements that could help prevent such accidents in the future.

The details

Police said the 17-year-old driver had a green light at the time of the crash. No citations have been issued yet, and Area Three detectives are investigating the incident further.

  • The crash happened around 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

17-year-old driver

The driver of the silver SUV that struck the pedestrian.

43-year-old woman

The pedestrian who was killed in the crash.

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What’s next

Area Three detectives are continuing to investigate the incident to determine if any charges will be filed against the driver.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the need for improved pedestrian safety measures, such as better lighting, signage, and traffic calming infrastructure, especially in high-traffic areas around major venues. It also highlights the importance of driver education and enforcement to ensure all road users, both pedestrians and motorists, can safely share the streets.