On Thursday, July 16, 2020, a 13-year-old boy later identified as Sam Yousif was struck and killed while riding his bike in Niles, Illinois.

Niles Police responded to reports of a crash at 2:40 p.m. near the intersection of Waukegan Road and Cleveland Street. According to several witnesses, Yousif attempted to cross Waukegan Road in front of oncoming traffic but was fatally hit by a 2014 Chevy Silverado pickup truck. The 18-year-old driver of the Silverado stayed at the scene and displayed no signs of drug or alcohol use, according to Niles Police.

Yousif was taken to Lutheran General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The Cook County medical examiner’s autopsy reported Yousif’s death to be accidental.

Just days after the crash, approximately 400 people attended a vigil for Sam Yousif at the intersection of Waukegan and Cleveland, remembering him as a person who “brought cheer and electric energy” to Culver School. Attendees of the vigil also circulated a petition demanding better pedestrian safety measures be taken by the Village of Niles. An article summarizing the vigil and Yousif’s impact on the Niles community can be found HERE.

As a result of this fatal crash, many Niles residents have also been speaking out regarding the Village’s commitment to pedestrian safety. According to a Niles resident interviewed by ABC7 Chicago, the Waukegan-Cleveland intersection is too dangerous without the addition of proper signage or safety measures for pedestrians. As this anonymous resident stated, “I have asked them [the Village] to please put a stoplight or some kind signage, a stop sign…Why do we have to wait for someone to pass, especially a young child?”

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Coffman Law is committed to providing superb legal representation for people who are suffering from severe personal injuries or are dealing with the loss of a loved one due to negligence or misconduct. Coffman Law is a results-driven firm focused on ensuring that clients receive the compassion, attention, and consideration that they need to seek adequate redress for injuries or loss. The firm is led by Owner and Founding Partner Brian Coffman, who has dedicated his career to helping accident victims navigate the legal system and obtain redress for their injuries. If you have been injured or lost a loved one, contact Coffman Law today for a free consultation.