Chicago, IL (September 19, 2025) – A tragedy unfolded Thursday morning in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side, where a 9-year-old boy was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in front of his school.
The incident occurred just after 7:40 a.m. on September 18 in the 4800 block of West Walton St, directly in front of McNair Elementary School. The young victim, identified as Anakin Cesar Perez, was on his way to school when he ran into the roadway between two parked cars. At that moment, a silver Chevrolet sedan traveling westbound struck the child, dragging him down the street.
Witnesses and family members say the driver did not initially stop. Surveillance video shared by the family appears to show the impact occurring without any visible brake lights. The driver reportedly left the scene but later returned. Police confirmed that the child was rushed to Stroger Hospital of Cook County, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
Authorities initially took the driver into custody, and charges were reportedly under review. The investigation remains ongoing.
Our hearts go out to the child’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this heartbreaking time.
Pedestrian Accidents Near Schools in Illinois
The loss of a child in a pedestrian crash is among the most harrowing tragedies a community can face. Incidents like the one outside McNair Elementary highlight critical concerns about school zone safety—particularly during drop-off and pick-up hours when children are crossing streets, often out of view behind parked vehicles.
In urban areas like Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, visibility is often limited by narrow streets, dense parking, and high foot traffic. Despite these challenges, Illinois law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise extreme caution in school zones. When vehicles fail to slow down or remain alert, the consequences can be catastrophic—especially for children, who may not yet have the judgment to navigate traffic safely.
This incident underscores the importance of enhanced safety measures near schools. These may include clearly marked crosswalks, traffic calming infrastructure, enforcement of no-parking zones, and dedicated crossing guards. Education for both drivers and children on safe street-crossing practices is also vital, but it does not replace a driver’s legal and moral responsibility to remain vigilant at all times—particularly near schools.
For families coping with the trauma of losing a loved one in such circumstances, the emotional toll is immense. Legal and investigative processes can also bring additional strain, particularly when outcomes feel incomplete or unresolved.
If your family has been impacted by a pedestrian crash, it’s essential to have access to compassionate, informed support—whether for understanding your rights, navigating legal proceedings, or finding resources for healing.
At Local Accident Reports, we’re committed to providing trusted information and assistance to families affected by tragic incidents like this one. If you or someone you love is seeking guidance after a pedestrian accident in Illinois, reach out today to learn how we can help support your next steps.
