Volunteer, Aspiring Artist Killed in Bridgeport Hit-and-Run

A 21-year-old woman died Saturday after she was hit by a car in the Bridgeport neighborhood overnight, police said.

Carissa Hinz, of the 3300 block of South Avenue, was hit near 32nd Place and Morgan Street around 11:40 p.m. Friday and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after, officials said.

Hinz was walking across the street when she was struck by a vehicle traveling at high speed southbound on Morgan Street. She was struck by the vehicle and thrown through the rear the window of a nearby car, landing in the back seat, authorities said. The vehicle continued southbound.

Friends who were with Hinz just before the accident said she was was volunteering at a local arts center, Co-Prosperity Sphere, and was walking across the street to take out the trash when she was hit.

"She was dancing and happy [at the event]," said friend Kristina Tendilla. "She was incredibly sweet and really helpful with the event. It was obvious she was a huge part of other people's lives."

Witnesses said the car that struck her was speeding and blew a stop sign.

"We heard the sound of the car hitting something that wasn't another car. It was horrible," said witness Carrie Clark. "My son in law said 'Oh my God. Oh my God they hit somebody. That body just flew 20 feet.'"

Hinz was remembered Saturday morning by regulars at the nearby Bridgeport Coffee Company, where she worked as a barista for more than a year.

"She was a wonderful person," said customer Daniel Pugh. "She knew exactly what drink we wanted to get. The community will find out who it is and take proper actions and make sure the police are informed."

The coffe company released a statement Saturday that read in part: "It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Carissa Hinz... Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and friends. She was an artistic soul with a generous heart, and was beloved by neighbors, customers and her co-workers."

The Chicago Police Department Major Accidents Unit is investigating the crash, but no vehicle description was available as of Saturday morning.

Contact Us