Wednesday, July 20, 2016

PEDESTRIANS CONTINUE TO GET KILLED AT RECORD NUMBERS: A University of Chicago doctor and professor of medicine was struck and killed while jogging on the South Side of Chicago


 


A University of Chicago doctor and professor of medicine was struck and killed while jogging on the South Side. (WLS)

Updated 36 mins ago
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A University of Chicago professor of medicine was struck and killed while jogging on the city's South Side Wednesday morning.

The university identified the victim as Dr. Gary Toback in a statement released Wednesday:

"We have lost an institutional leader who represented the University of Chicago's values and aspirations. Dr. Gary Toback was a professor in the Department of Medicine who joined our faculty in 1974, served as interim nephrology chief from 2009 to 2015, and conducted world-renowned research on renal growth factors. He was a treasured colleague, friend, mentor, leader and physician."

Police said he was hit by a dark-colored Jeep in the 6700-block of South Bennett Avenue around 6:40 a.m. after a 40-year-old woman behind the wheel lost control of the vehicle.

The SUV rolled over and landed near West 67th Street and South Jeffery Avenue, near Jackson Park and a golf course, in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood, police said.

Toback was pronounced dead at the scene. People who knew him said he was an avid runner. He lived just a few blocks away from where he was killed.

Police said the driver's 2-year-old daughter was riding in the Jeep with her. The girl was taken to Comer Children's Hospital. Her condition is unknown. The woman refused treatment.

Investigators are looking into how the crash unfolded. Neighbors said the peaceful area is heavily traveled, especially by cyclists and joggers.

"This over here is a quiet neighborhood. Stuff like this normally don't happen on this side," said Quanyelle Adams, a neighbor.

"It's very busy. It's a Main Street. Older residents. People coming to work, leaving every morning going to work. It's very busy," said Tonya Bibbs, who works in neighborhood.

The Major Accidents Investigation Unit is handling the crash. Authorities temporarily closed 67th from South Constance to South Euclid avenues for the investigation. CTA No. 6, 15, 67 buses were rerouted.