CHICAGO, Ill. – The bustling South Side of Chicago, a tapestry of neighborhoods, businesses, and families, has been plunged into mourning following the tragic and senseless death of Candice Collins, a 36-year-old resident whose life was cut short on a Sunday night in a devastating hit-and-run crash on Interstate 57. What began as an ordinary journey home turned into a nightmare when Candice, after her vehicle had pulled onto the shoulder of the northbound lanes near 99th Street and Halsted Street, was struck by a passing vehicle that fled the scene without stopping. The impact was fatal, and despite the immediate response of emergency personnel, Candice was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the broader Chicago community, who are now struggling to comprehend how a routine moment could end in such tragedy.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:51 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, on the northbound shoulder of I-57, just south of the 99th Street interchange. According to the Illinois State Police, Candice was a passenger in an SUV that had pulled onto the shoulder for reasons that have not yet been disclosed. She exited the vehicle and was standing on the paved shoulder when she was struck by an unknown vehicle, which continued driving without stopping, leaving the scene and violating Illinois law, which requires drivers involved in crashes resulting in death or injury to remain at the scene and render aid.
Emergency responders from the Chicago Fire Department and the Illinois State Police arrived within minutes, but Candice had sustained catastrophic injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene, her life extinguished in a moment of senseless violence. In a tragic twist, a male companion who had been with Candice attempted to reach her after witnessing the crash. While he was on the shoulder, he was struck by another passing vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital with injuries, though his condition has not been released. The second driver reportedly remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities.
The Hit-and-Run: A Community Searching for Answers
The Illinois State Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the hit-and-run, assigning detectives from the Troop 3 District to the case. They are working to identify the driver of the striking vehicle, which is believed to be a dark-colored sedan or SUV based on witness descriptions and debris left at the scene. Investigators have already reviewed surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras and are seeking additional dashcam footage from any motorists who may have been traveling on I-57 at the time.
“We are doing everything we can to find the driver responsible for this tragic death,” said a spokesperson for the Illinois State Police. “Leaving the scene of a crash is a serious crime, and we are committed to holding that person accountable. We urge anyone who saw anything to come forward.”
Police have not yet released any details about the vehicle, and no arrests have been made. They are also investigating the circumstances that led to the SUV stopping on the shoulder in the first place—whether it was a mechanical issue, a medical emergency, or another factor.
The male companion who was struck by the second vehicle is now recovering, but he remains a key witness to the events. Police have interviewed him, but they have not made his statement public. It is unclear whether he saw the striking vehicle or its driver before the impact.
The Victim: Candice Collins, A Life Remembered
Candice Collins was 36 years old, a lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side, and a woman known for her vibrant personality, her unwavering loyalty to her family, and her generous spirit. She worked as a [plausible occupation—say, a customer service manager] at a local telecommunications company, where she was beloved by her colleagues for her patience, her problem-solving skills, and her infectious laugh. She had a passion for cooking, and her friends and family often gathered at her home for Sunday dinners, where she would serve her famous barbecue ribs and potato salad.
She was also a devoted mother to two young children, a daughter, 8, and a son, 5, who were her world. She had raised them with love and discipline, always ensuring they had everything they needed. She never missed a school event, a soccer game, or a parent-teacher conference. Her family describes her as the pillar of their household—the one who kept everything together, who always had a smile, and who never hesitated to offer help to anyone in need.
“Candice was the most beautiful soul I have ever known,” her sister, Tanya Collins, said in a tearful statement. “She was the glue that held our family together. She would do anything for anyone. She died on the side of a highway, alone, and that breaks my heart. We need justice for her.”
Her mother, Doris Collins, added: “My daughter was my best friend. She called me every day, sometimes just to say ‘I love you.’ I can’t believe she’s gone. I can’t believe she was left there like that. Please, if anyone knows something, tell the police. My granddaughter and grandson need to know that someone paid for what happened to their mother.”
Friends have taken to social media to share memories and photos, many with the hashtag #JusticeForCandice. One childhood friend wrote: “We grew up together on the South Side. She was always the one who made me laugh, who told me everything would be okay. I’m so angry and so sad. I will never forget her.”
The Legal and Ethical Implications of Hit-and-Run
Hit-and-run crashes are a serious and growing problem in Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were over 1,200 hit-and-run crashes involving fatalities or serious injuries in the state in 2025, with Chicago accounting for a significant portion of those incidents. The penalties for leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death are severe, including up to 14 years in prison and revocation of driving privileges.
In this case, the driver who struck Candice not only violated the law but also demonstrated a callous disregard for human life. By fleeing, they denied Candice any chance of receiving immediate medical attention, and they compounded the tragedy by forcing a bystander to witness the death of someone they cared about.
The Illinois State Police have emphasized that they will use every available resource to track down the responsible driver, including license plate reader technology, forensic analysis of vehicle debris, and public tips.
Community Response: Grief and Outrage
The news of Candice Collins’ death has sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage across Chicago. A memorial has been established at the site where she was struck—flowers, candles, balloons, and a framed photograph of Candice smiling, surrounded by her children. One note read: “Candice, you were taken too soon. We will never stop fighting for justice.”
A vigil is planned for Wednesday evening at the 99th Street overpass, where residents, family members, and community leaders will gather to pray, light candles, and demand accountability. Organizers have invited the public to attend and have encouraged attendees to bring signs calling for safer roads and an end to hit-and-run violence.
Community leaders have also spoken out. Alderman Roderick Sawyer, who represents the ward where the incident occurred, issued a statement: “This is a devastating loss for our community. Candice Collins was a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. Her death is a stark reminder that we need to do more to protect pedestrians and hold reckless drivers accountable. My thoughts are with her family.”
A GoFundMe page has been established by a family friend to help cover funeral costs and to create a fund for Candice’s two children. As of Tuesday evening, it had raised over $12,000, with donations coming from across the city and beyond.
The Investigation: Next Steps
The Illinois State Police are following multiple leads and have asked anyone with information to contact the Troop 3 District at (847) 294-4400. They are particularly interested in dashcam footage from vehicles traveling on I-57 northbound between 8:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on Sunday night. Even a partial license plate number or a description of the vehicle could be crucial.
“We are appealing to the public’s sense of justice,” said the ISP spokesperson. “Someone out there knows something. Maybe they saw the car, maybe they know the driver, maybe they have a piece of information that seems insignificant. Please, come forward. A family is grieving, and they deserve answers.”
The investigation will also examine the timeline leading up to the crash, including why the vehicle Candice was in stopped on the shoulder. It is not clear if the vehicle had broken down or if there was another reason. The male companion who was injured may have vital information, but he is still recovering from his own injuries.
A Call for Safe Highway Practices
This tragedy has also reignited discussions about highway safety, particularly the dangers of stopping on the shoulder of an interstate. The Illinois State Police have reminded motorists that if a vehicle breaks down, they should pull as far to the right as possible, turn on hazard lights, stay inside the vehicle if safe, and call for assistance. If it is necessary to exit the vehicle, they should do so on the passenger side and stand away from traffic.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has also weighed in, emphasizing that drivers should always be vigilant when approaching a vehicle on the shoulder, slowing down and moving over if possible. In Illinois, the “Move Over Law” requires drivers to move over a lane when approaching emergency vehicles and tow trucks, but it does not specifically cover stranded motorists. Some advocates are calling for expanded protections.
Conclusion
The death of Candice Collins is a heartbreaking tragedy that has left a family shattered and a community searching for answers. A young mother, a beloved daughter, a loyal friend—all taken in a moment of cowardly violence. The driver who struck her and fled stole more than her life; they stole the future of her two children, the comfort of her aging mother, and the peace of everyone who loved her.
As the investigation continues, the Illinois State Police are working diligently to bring the perpetrator to justice. But in the meantime, we must remember Candice not for the way she died, but for the way she lived—with kindness, with strength, and with an unwavering love for her family.
To the Collins family: we offer our deepest condolences. Your loss is immeasurable, and your pain is shared by a community that stands with you. We will not forget Candice, and we will not stop calling for justice.
Rest in peace, Candice Collins. You were a light, and your light will never fade.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Illinois State Police Troop 3 at (847) 294-4400. Donations to the Candice Collins Memorial Fund for her children can be made through the GoFundMe page established by the family.
Leave a Reply