The family of a 25-year-old woman who was paralyzed last month when the car she was riding in sped off a bridge in Chicago’s River West neighborhood claims they have video showing the aftermath of the accident.
Prosecutors say the driver in the September crash, 28-year-old Philip Cho, ignored his passengers' pleas to slow down as he drove his BMW along the 700 block of West Erie at 4 a.m. on Sept. 13 following a night of partying. The car sped off a bridge and crashed 45 feet to the ground, leaving four people in the car seriously hurt.
As 25-year-old Kelsey Ibach cried out for help, she and her family said, Cho hailed a cab and told his passengers to blame the crash on a carjacker.
A tow truck driver eventually called police, but Kelsey Ibach suffered severe damage to her spinal cord in the crash. That driver took cell phone video at the scene, the family said.
In the video, which Ibach’s family shared with NBC Chicago Friday, a voice is heard saying, “Bring the keys, bring the keys, let’s go.”
It shows a shirtless man appearing to walk away from the vehicle and someone is also heard saying, “Say the car was stolen, alright?”
Prosecutors have not been able to confirm the authenticity of the video, but Ibach’s father says he’s disgusted by the footage.
U.S. & World
“Only a coward would do what [the driver] did,” said Bob Ibach. “What person does that?”
Bob Ibach says his daughter has seen the video, which he says also shows her crying in pain on the ground.
“It terrified her to see it again,” Bob Ibach said. “We both cried. That’s our daughter crying for help.”
Attorney Ted McNabola said he is now representing Kelsey Ibach in a civil lawsuit filed by three victims in the crash.
Kelsey Ibach’s family said she is dedicating herself to rehab and is currently learning how to use a wheelchair. Friends have also rallied together and raised money on a GoFundme.com website to help with the soaring medical bills.
"She's a fighter, and she's gonna get through this," Bob Ibach said.
Cho was charged with failing to report the accident and for speeding. He posted bond.
“He needs to pay a price for what he did,” said Bob Ibach. “He needs to know there has to be a sacrifice.”
Cho and his attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.
