UNIVERSITY VILLAGE — A University of Illinois at Chicago graduate student killed and another was injured after a hit-and-run near the campus Thursday.
Tushar Sharma, a 27-year-old mechanical engineering masters student, was identified as the student who died in an email from campus officials.
“As a community, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Tushar’s family, friends and colleagues, as they struggle with this devastating loss,” said University Chancellor Michael D. Amiridis.
At 10:26 a.m. Thursday, Sharma and a 26-year old student were hit by a driver in the 1100 block of South Morgan Street, Chicago police said.
Amiridis said the driver was traveling at a high speed when he ran a stop sign at Maxwell Street near the UIC Police station.
UIC Police officers attempted to make a stop but the driver “continued through a red light at Roosevelt Road” and hit another car before going onto the sidewalk and hitting the two UIC students,” Amirdis said in an email.
The 32-year-old driver, who led on foot on the Dan Ryan, was later arrested, officials said.
Sharma was taken to Stroger Hospital were he later died. The 27-year-old had chest pain and a shoulder injury. He was taken Stroger in good condition and was recovering, officials said.
Workers and people who live nearby told ABC7 the crash was “heartbreaking.”
Amiridis called Sharma an “outstanding research assistant” known as a “favorite” among students.
“This is very difficult news to process and I hope that anyone in need of support will reach out,” Amiridis said.
Sharma’s family is raising money to bring his body back to India. As of Friday morning, they’ve raised $17,745 toward a $25,000 goal.
Subscribe to Block Club Chicago. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Already subscribe? Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.