‘Devoted’ Mom of 3 Dies in New Year’s Day Accident After Hit-and-Run as Driver Leaves Her in Crashed SUV

A 38-year-old mother of three was allegedly left to die after an SUV crash in Chicago on New Year’s Day.

Suzanna Garcia was found alone in the passenger seat with multiple injuries to her head and body, according to WGN and ABC affiliate WLS. She was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Chicago police told WGN the crash occurred around 5:00 a.m. local time in the 3400 block of East 95th Street near the bridge over the Calumet River. Officials said the driver of a gray GMC fled after the vehicle struck a pole.

The SUV reportedly had front-end damage and was facing the opposite direction of travel. An airbag was also deployed on the passenger side.

Employees at a local business that captured the incident on surveillance footage told WGN the vehicle crossed the roadway before hitting the pole.

“The person that was with her really left the scene. I don’t know; it just doesn’t add up,” Garcia’s father, Ascension Andrade, told WLS.

Her mother, Maricela Andrade, said she believes her daughter might still be alive if the driver had sought help.

“Maybe she would’ve had a chance. Yes, she would’ve been in the hospital, injured. But we would’ve preferred that than where she is now,” she said. “She was a good daughter, a loving mother. Everybody loved her.”

According to the outlet, no arrests have been made, and police have not confirmed the driver’s identity.

“Part of our anguish and our hurt is not knowing why they left her there, what led to this, you know. We’re never going to have complete closure, but I think having answers to our questions just eases the pain for us as a family,” Garcia’s aunt, Arcelia Pimentel, told the outlet. “When you look at the pictures and you look at the area, how did it happen?”

Garcia’s father also urged the driver to come forward, telling WLS to “just turn yourself in” and “face the consequence.”

A GoFundMe page organized by Joyce Gaa-Delacy has so far raised over $10,000 toward a $12,000 goal.

“On January 1, 2026, we lost a beautiful soul far too soon. I am reaching out on behalf of Suzy’s family to share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Suzanna ‘Suzy’ Marie Garcia,” the description read.

Gaa-Delacy added that Garcia was “a loving and devoted mother to her three children … who were the center of her world.”

“She was a cherished daughter of Ascension and Maricela Andrade, and a beloved sister to Carlos and Sergio,” the description continued. “She is also lovingly remembered by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.”