CICERO, IL — A 56-year-old Cicero woman was killed Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle on Roosevelt Road, marking another tragic pedestrian fatality along the busy suburban corridor. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim Thursday as Blanca Marquez, a local resident whose death has sparked renewed calls for improved street safety measures.
The fatal collision occurred around the 5800 block of Roosevelt Road, a high-traffic commercial zone where large trucks frequently navigate alongside pedestrians. Preliminary reports indicate Marquez was hit by a truck, though authorities have not confirmed whether the driver remained at the scene or if citations were issued. The west suburban police department continues to investigate potential contributing factors, including vehicle speed, visibility conditions, and possible driver distraction.
Longtime residents expressed frustration over recurring safety issues along the dangerous stretch. “This isn’t the first tragedy we’ve seen here,” said neighbor Carlos Mendez, noting the roadway’s history of accidents. Community advocates are demanding immediate infrastructure upgrades, including enhanced crosswalk visibility, pedestrian-activated signals, and speed deterrents to protect vulnerable road users.
As detectives piece together the crash sequence—reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts—transportation safety experts emphasize the preventable nature of such incidents. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows pedestrian fatalities have risen sharply nationwide, with poorly designed urban corridors posing particular risks. The Cicero incident follows a pattern of deadly crashes involving large vehicles on multi-lane suburban thoroughfares.
Marquez’s unexpected death has left family and neighbors grieving. A makeshift memorial with flowers and candles now marks the crash site, where community members gathered Thursday evening to honor her memory. Local officials anticipate releasing additional investigation details in coming days as they determine whether charges will be filed.
This tragedy underscores an urgent need for pedestrian safety reforms in Chicago’s suburbs. With Roosevelt Road scheduled for upcoming infrastructure work, advocates hope Marquez’s death will accelerate implementation of life-saving design changes. Anyone with information about Wednesday’s crash is urged to contact Cicero Police at (708) 652-2130.
