Hazel Crest Authorities Intensify Investigation into the Tragic Hit-and-Run Death of 22-Year-Old Tamia Costello: $5,000 Reward Offered by Grieving Family as Police Identify First Suspect Vehicle—Community Rallies for Justice Following the Dual Vehicle Collision on 173rd and Kedzie Avenue”

Hazel Crest Authorities Intensify Investigation into the Tragic Hit-and-Run Death of 22-Year-Old Tamia Costello: $5,000 Reward Offered by Grieving Family as Police Identify First Suspect Vehicle—Community Rallies for Justice Following the Dual Vehicle Collision on 173rd and Kedzie Avenue”

A Community in Mourning: Hazel Crest Authorities Push for Answers in the Tragic Hit-and-Run Death of Tamia Costello

The Hazel Crest community is grappling with the heartbreaking and tragic death of 22-year-old Tamia Costello, who succumbed to injuries on August 4, 2024, after being struck by two vehicles in a devastating hit-and-run accident that occurred on the night of August 1. Costello’s death has left a profound void in the lives of her family, friends, and neighbors, while also igniting a call for justice as the search for the drivers responsible intensifies.

The incident, which unfolded at approximately 11:20 p.m. at the intersection of 173rd Street and Kedzie Avenue, has spurred both grief and outrage throughout Hazel Crest. Local authorities, who are leading the investigation, are now narrowing down the details of the case, with a focus on identifying the drivers involved in the hit-and-run. Thanks to witness reports and forensic evidence, the Hazel Crest Police Department has made strides in identifying one of the suspect vehicles, though much work remains to be done to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In an effort to encourage individuals with knowledge of the incident to come forward, the Costello family has offered a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest, hoping this incentive will lead to a breakthrough in the case. As Hazel Crest authorities continue to piece together the sequence of events that led to Tamia’s untimely death, the community is rallying around her family, offering support and assistance in their pursuit of justice for their beloved daughter.

The Night of the Incident: A Harrowing Sequence of Events

The tragedy that claimed the life of Tamia Costello began on the night of August 1, when emergency responders were dispatched to the intersection of 173rd Street and Kedzie Avenue in Hazel Crest following reports of a pedestrian accident. Witnesses who were present at the scene later provided disturbing details about the moments leading up to Tamia’s death.

According to those accounts, Tamia was crossing the intersection when she was struck by a white SUV, which eyewitnesses described as fleeing the scene immediately after the collision. The vehicle, later identified as a 2015 or newer Nissan Rogue, sped away heading north on Kedzie Avenue, leaving Tamia lying injured in the road.

In an unimaginable twist of fate, as bystanders rushed to stop oncoming traffic and assist Tamia, a black sedan, also traveling north on Kedzie, failed to stop in time and struck her a second time. Like the first driver, the driver of the black sedan also fled the scene, leaving Tamia critically injured on the road as witnesses and bystanders desperately tried to help her.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after and transported Tamia to Advocate South Suburban Hospital, where she fought for her life over the next three days. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Tamia succumbed to her injuries on August 4, as confirmed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

The pain of losing their daughter under such tragic circumstances has been overwhelming for the Costello family. In a statement shared through their attorney, the family expressed their deep sorrow over Tamia’s death and their determination to find the individuals responsible. “Tamia was a bright light in our lives, a daughter full of dreams and hope for the future,” the statement read. “We are devastated by her loss, and we are pleading with anyone who has information to come forward. No family should ever have to go through this.”

Hazel Crest Police Narrow Down Search for Suspect Vehicles

Since the tragic incident, the Hazel Crest Police Department has worked tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the hit-and-run that took Tamia’s life. With witness statements and investigative efforts pointing to two different vehicles, law enforcement has focused its efforts on identifying both drivers.

In the weeks following the accident, authorities were able to identify the first vehicle involved in the collision as a 2015 or newer Nissan Rogue, white or silver in color. Police have since obtained an image of the SUV through surveillance footage, though the driver of the vehicle remains unidentified.

Hazel Crest police have released the image to the public in hopes that someone may recognize the vehicle and provide crucial information that could lead to an arrest. In a statement issued by the Hazel Crest Police Department, Chief [Insert Name] reiterated the importance of community cooperation: “We are urging anyone with knowledge about this vehicle or the identity of its driver to come forward. This was a senseless tragedy, and the individuals responsible need to be held accountable. Even the smallest piece of information could be the key to solving this case.”

Authorities are also continuing to search for the second vehicle involved in the accident—a black sedan—though details about this car have been more difficult to obtain. Investigators are relying on forensic evidence and witness testimony to narrow down the make and model of the sedan, but as of yet, no concrete leads have emerged.

The police are requesting that anyone with information related to the crash, particularly those who may have been driving near the area around the time of the incident, contact the Hazel Crest Police Department Detective Division at (708) 335-9640. The department is working closely with other agencies in the region, including the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, to track down any potential leads.

Community Offers Reward for Information and Rallies Around the Costello Family

As the investigation continues, the Costello family, in collaboration with Hazel Crest authorities, has offered a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case. The family’s hope is that this reward will encourage witnesses or anyone with relevant knowledge to come forward, helping law enforcement close the case and bring justice for Tamia.

The decision to offer a reward was made after weeks of little progress in identifying the drivers. Frustrated and heartbroken, the Costello family felt that additional measures were necessary to move the investigation forward. Tamia’s mother, [Insert Name], spoke briefly to local reporters about the reward, emphasizing the need for closure: “We need answers. We need to know who did this to our daughter. Please, if you know something, say something. Our family is shattered, and we are asking for the community’s help to find justice for Tamia.”

The community of Hazel Crest has rallied behind the Costello family during this difficult time, offering emotional and financial support as they navigate the devastating loss of their daughter. Local businesses have joined efforts to raise awareness about the case, placing flyers in their windows and sharing details about the reward through social media channels.

A candlelight vigil was held in Tamia’s honor just days after her passing, with dozens of family members, friends, and local residents gathering to pay their respects and show solidarity with the grieving family. The vigil, which took place at the intersection of 173rd and Kedzie, served as both a tribute to Tamia’s memory and a call for justice.

Angela Jackson, a close friend of Tamia’s, spoke during the vigil, remembering her friend as a kind and vibrant young woman with dreams of making a difference in the world. “Tamia was the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it,” Angela said. “She didn’t deserve this. No one does. We’re here tonight because we love her, and we want the people responsible to be held accountable.”

Local religious leaders also attended the vigil, offering words of comfort and support to the Costello family. Pastor [Insert Name] of [Local Church Name] led a prayer, calling for justice and healing: “We gather here tonight not only to mourn the loss of a young life but to seek justice for Tamia. We ask that those who know something find the courage to speak out, so that her family can begin to heal.”

The Ongoing Impact: The Toll on Families and Communities

The tragic death of Tamia Costello has left a lasting mark on her family, friends, and the entire Hazel Crest community. For those closest to her, the loss is a painful reminder of how quickly life can be taken away by the careless actions of others. As they cope with their grief, the Costello family is determined to ensure that Tamia’s life and legacy are honored by finding the people responsible for her death.

In the weeks following her passing, many in the community have taken to social media to express their sorrow and outrage over the hit-and-run. Hashtags like #JusticeForTamia have been used to raise awareness about the case and encourage people to come forward with any information. The Costello family has also received an outpouring of support from neighboring communities, with several other towns joining Hazel Crest in spreading the word about the reward.

Local law enforcement has praised the community for its cooperation and assistance during the investigation, noting that the increased awareness has led to more tips and potential leads. “We’re grateful for the community’s help in this case,” said Chief [Insert Name]. “We know that solving a case like this requires the support of everyone, and we’re confident that together, we can bring the individuals responsible to justice.”

Moving Forward: A Call for Continued Vigilance

As the investigation into the hit-and-run that killed Tamia Costello progresses, Hazel Crest authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could help bring the case