Winnetka, IL — A quiet North Shore community is reeling after a devastating tragedy claimed the lives of two women and left a child critically injured in a heartbreaking car accident. Among the victims was 37-year-old Sediqeh Samadi, whose sudden passing has left her family, friends, and neighbors in deep grief.
The fatal crash occurred around 6 p.m. Friday evening near the intersection of Church Road and Meadow Road in Winnetka, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities reported that two women, who were walking with a child in a stroller, were struck by a vehicle while in the roadway. Both women died from their injuries. The young child was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where medical teams are doing all they can to stabilize and care for the child.
On Saturday, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office publicly identified one of the deceased as Sediqeh Samadi, a 37-year-old woman whose life was cut short in an instant. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the two women and the injured child were family members or how they were connected.
Those who knew Sediqeh describe her as a loving, compassionate woman with an unshakable devotion to her family and a kind spirit that left a lasting impression on all who met her. Her loss has left a void in the hearts of many, and the outpouring of love and sorrow from the community reflects the powerful impact she had during her 37 years.
“She was the kind of person who always greeted you with warmth,” said a neighbor who laid flowers at the growing memorial near the crash site. “You couldn’t pass her on the street without a smile or a kind word. She was full of love.”
The crash also claimed the life of another woman, whose identity has not yet been released to the public. Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle and a passenger were taken to a hospital and are reported to be in good condition. Authorities have stated that there is no initial indication of foul play, but they are actively investigating to determine whether driver error, a medical event, or a mechanical failure may have contributed to the crash.
As word of the accident spread, residents of Winnetka began arriving at the scene with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes. A makeshift memorial now sits at the intersection—a symbol of shared mourning and resilience as the community seeks to come to terms with an unspeakable loss.
“It could have been any of us,” said one local resident, holding back tears. “It’s every parent’s nightmare. Every neighbor’s heartbreak. We’re grieving as a village.”
The tragic nature of the crash has reignited discussions around pedestrian safety in suburban areas, especially for families and young children. Community members have already begun organizing a vigil in memory of the victims and to rally support for the critically injured child and those left behind.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the crash to come forward as they work to piece together the full sequence of events. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.
As the Samadi family and others affected by this tragedy navigate the days ahead, they do so with the strength of a heartbroken but unified community standing behind them.
May Sediqeh Samadi’s memory be a blessing to all who knew her, and may her loved ones find comfort in the outpouring of support surrounding them during this difficult time.