It is with immense sorrow and heartbreak that we share the passing of Marcella Herrera, a vibrant and beloved 22-year-old woman whose life was tragically cut short on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in a devastating hit-and-run accident in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Marcella was struck while crossing the street with her fiancé, Mauricio Leyva, who also sustained serious injuries in the collision.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 11:18 p.m. near the 2000 block of South Ashland Avenue, as Marcella and Mauricio were crossing at the north crosswalk at Cullerton Street. According to Chicago Police, the vehicle involved — believed to be a dark-colored Dodge Journey — was traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Ashland when it struck the couple. The driver failed to stop, leaving the scene and fleeing westbound on 19th Street.
A Promising Life Lost Too Soon
Marcella Herrera was more than just a name in the headlines — she was a daughter, a sister, a fiancée, and a treasured friend. Her family and friends describe her as a radiant soul, full of warmth, energy, and compassion. She had a magnetic personality and a laugh that could brighten any room. Marcella was deeply loved and respected by all who knew her.
She had recently become engaged to Mauricio Leyva, 21, and the couple had been planning their future together. What was meant to be a season of love and anticipation has now turned into a time of mourning and unimaginable grief.
Marcella died at the scene from multiple injuries. Mauricio was rushed to the hospital with facial injuries, including a broken nose and a suspected back injury. He remains in fair condition, recovering physically, though emotionally devastated by the loss of his beloved fiancée.
Community and Family Seek Justice
As the community reels from this senseless tragedy, Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest or indictment of the driver responsible. The vehicle involved is reported to have sustained damage, including a broken right headlight and possible front-right bumper and quarter panel damage.
Witnesses reported that the SUV sped past other cars before striking the couple. One pedestrian narrowly avoided being hit herself, further highlighting the recklessness of the driver. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts are aiding investigators in piecing together the final moments before the crash.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or the driver to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Chicago Police Department Major Accidents Unit at 312-745-4521 or online at CPDTIP.com, referencing case number JJ340954. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-535, and the $1,000 reward remains active.
Honoring Marcella’s Memory
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Marcella’s family during this difficult time and to help with funeral expenses and Mauricio’s medical recovery. Messages of love and support have poured in from friends, coworkers, classmates, and neighbors, many of whom have shared stories about Marcella’s kindness, humor, and commitment to helping others.
Marcella was passionate about community and social justice and had dreams of working in a field where she could make a meaningful difference. Her loss is not only a devastating blow to her loved ones but to an entire community who believed in her light.
A Community United in Grief
The Pilsen neighborhood, known for its resilience and close-knit spirit, is rallying in support of the Herrera and Leyva families. Vigils are being planned, and local organizations are demanding greater efforts to address reckless driving and hit-and-run incidents in the city.
Though Marcella’s time on this earth was tragically short, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered not for how she died, but for how she lived — with grace, passion, and love.
If you have any information that can help bring justice for Marcella and healing for her family, please come forward. Your voice can make a difference.
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