Woman in ICU After Michigan Ave. Hit-and-Run

Meghann Eff left with two broken legs, fractures to her skull and neck and a crushed arm

As family and friends keep vigil in the Intensive Care Unit of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, police continue their investigation into who struck a 28-year-old woman as she tried to hail a cab on Michigan Avenue over the weekend.

"A caring person would stop for a squirrel," said Jacquie Olender, the mother of Meghann Eff. "To not stop for a human being?  Who would do that? I personally don't understand that. I don't."

Eff was in the crosswalk on North Michigan Avenue at East Pearson Street trying to hail a cab at about 3:45 Sunday morning when the northbound driver struck her and continued on before turning right onto East Chestnut Street.

She was left with two broken legs, fractures to her skull and neck and a crushed arm. Eff showed signed of improvement Wednesday, but doctors haven't given a full prognosis on her long-term mobility. She may have permanent hearing loss, doctors said.

Eff's parents said what saved their daughters life was the kindness of a stranger. They say a woman got out of a passing cab when she saw Eff motionless in the street. The woman called 911, and waited with Eff until help arrived.

"If it  wouldn't have been for her, she could've gotten hit by another car, and this woman took the time to stay with her," Olender said.

Since the hit and run, the Eff family has been trying to track down this woman to say thank you.

"She was our angel for Christmas. She gave us our daughter for Christmas and that's what all of us will be celebrating," Olender said.

Those who love Eff are calling on anyone who may have seen the collision to come forward.

"There has to be someone who was looking out their window, someone else that was nearby,and I just really want someone to come forward with some information," said friend Nakesha Welch.

The only description police have offered of the vehicle is that it was either a silver or gray sedan. The Major Accidents Investigation Unit is investigating.

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