Winnetka, IL (May 5, 2025) – Two women lost their lives and an infant was critically injured Friday evening after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Church Rd and Meadow Rd in Winnetka, just outside the Indian Hill Club golf course. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the details late Friday night.
The crash occurred around 6 p.m. as a vehicle traveling southbound on Church Rd struck the victims, including the infant, who was in a stroller at the time of the impact. According to witnesses and staff from Indian Hill Club, employees rushed to help upon hearing the collision, but the damage had already been done. One of the women died at the scene, while the second succumbed to her injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified one of the deceased as 37-year-old Sediqeh Samadi. The identity of the second woman has not been released. The infant was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver and a passenger in the vehicle were also hospitalized, though their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
Local residents were visibly shaken in the aftermath of the incident. A roadside memorial has emerged at the crash site, with families and neighbors pausing to leave flowers and reflect. Residents described the area as typically peaceful and filled with young families.
Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the community of Winnetka as they grieve this devastating loss.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Community Impact in Winnetka
The tragedy at Church Rd and Meadow Rd underscores the urgent concerns surrounding pedestrian safety in residential neighborhoods—even those perceived as quiet and secure. In areas like Winnetka, where sidewalks and crosswalks line tree-covered roads, local families frequently walk with children, pets, and strollers. Yet incidents like this demonstrate how a single moment can irrevocably alter lives.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, pedestrian fatalities have increased across suburban Cook County in recent years, often involving residential streets where speed enforcement is limited and visibility can be compromised by parked vehicles or landscaping. The trauma of such incidents extends far beyond the immediate victims, deeply affecting witnesses, neighbors, and entire communities.
For families affected by fatal crashes, the aftermath includes immeasurable emotional pain as well as potential legal and financial struggles. Those who survive such events—like the infant in this case—may face long-term medical challenges. Legal support can help families navigate these overwhelming circumstances, from dealing with insurance complications to seeking justice and accountability.
In moments of profound loss, community solidarity becomes a crucial part of the healing process. As seen in the formation of the roadside memorial in Winnetka, residents come together not only to grieve but also to honor the lives lost and demand safer conditions for everyone.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a pedestrian accident, Local Accident Reports can connect you with compassionate support, legal guidance, and the resources needed during such a difficult time.
