Chicago, IL — November 4, 2024, Francisco Padilla-Gutierrez was killed due to a semi-truck hit-and-run accident at 9:00 p.m. on the Kennedy Expressway.
Authorities said that the accident happened in a tunnel portion of the Kennedy Expressway/I-90 near W. Kinzie Street.
According to officials, 54-year-old Francisco Padilla-Gutierrez was on a lift working to paint in the tunnels. Somehow, a passing tractor-trailer reportedly struck the life, hitting Padilla-Gutierrez in the process. As a result, Gutierrez died following transport to a hospital.
The truck reportedly left the scene of the accident. Right now, authorities have not offered any description of the truck involved in the accident. Investigations are ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
I have to hope authorities have been working harder behind the scenes than public statements suggest to find the driver involved here. With a major city like Chicago, it seems difficult to believe there were no cameras that could help track down the truck that left the scene. If there is video or images, putting that out to the public would be a big help in the investigations. The public is often one of the best tools for resolving hit-and-runs.
For example, we handled a case that had been cold for well over a month, and we recirculated details about the crash out to the local area. A couple came forward with crucial details, including the truck’s license plate number and company name. They originally went to the authorities with their information, but the investigating officer was so swamped with other jobs that it just slipped his mind. Thanks to the couple coming forward once again, the driver was found, and we were able to resolve the case.
Similar efforts could be fruitful here if authorities aren’t already taking steps on their own to track down this driver. Someone out there may be an acquaintance, a co-worker, a neighbor, or just a vigilant citizen who can help ensure someone involved a man’s death answers for their role in that event. Anything less would be a disservice to the man’s loved ones.
