Chicago, IL — September 14, 2024, Giselle Chavez was killed and two others were injured in a hit-and-run tow truck accident at about 2:15 a.m. along the South Loop.
According to authorities, 21-year-old Giselle Chavez and two other people were traveling in a motor vehicle along South Loop when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a tow truck which was traveling in reverse struck an SUV. That impact led the SUV to be involved in a secondary collision with the vehicle occupied by Chavez and the two other victims which reportedly collided with a wall as a result.
Chavez suffered critical injuries as a result of the wreck and the two others who had been in the vehicle with her sustained injuries of unknown severity, as well. They were each transported to local medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Chavez, however, was ultimately unable to overcome the extent of her injuries, having later been declared deceased. No other injuries have been reported. The tow truck that had backed into the SUV allegedly fled the scene, but the SUV did not. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When accidents like this happen, it’s easy for people to assume they result from a simple mistake or bad timing. However, based on my experience, incidents involving hit-and-run drivers—especially those operating large vehicles like tow trucks—are far more complex and require thorough investigation. This tragic incident in Chicago’s South Loop is no exception.
A key concern in this case is understanding why the tow truck was reversing in an active traffic area. Investigators will need to explore whether the driver was following proper safety protocols, whether there were any mechanical issues with the truck, or if the driver was distracted or impaired. The fact that the tow truck fled the scene raises serious questions about the driver’s behavior and the possible causes of the crash.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the chain of events after the tow truck’s initial impact with the SUV. Multi-vehicle collisions can be chaotic, and understanding how the SUV’s secondary collision with the vehicle occupied by Giselle Chavez occurred will help clarify whether all drivers involved were operating safely under the circumstances. Investigators should also look into whether road conditions, visibility, or signage may have contributed to the sequence of events.
Given the hit-and-run nature of the incident, authorities will need to focus on identifying the tow truck driver and the company they may work for. If the truck was operating under a commercial company, it’s crucial to examine whether the company properly trained its drivers and maintained its vehicles. Commercial drivers are held to higher safety standards, and any negligence on the part of the company or driver could point to shared responsibility for this tragic outcome.
Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain vital evidence, it is crucial to consider every factor to ensure that those impacted by the accident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.