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Burbank Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/30/burbank-woman-killed-in-hit-and-run.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 18:39 GMT by NBC Chicago
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Burbank, IL - January 30th, 2026 - The New Year began with heartbreak for one Burbank family after 88-year-old Mary Ellen Hatchell was killed in a hit-and-run collision on New Year's Eve. The incident, which occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. near the intersection of Narragansett Avenue and Maple Avenue, has sparked renewed concern over the increasing frequency of hit-and-run incidents nationwide, and specifically within the Chicago metropolitan area.

According to Burbank Police, Mrs. Hatchell was walking with her husband when they were struck by a vehicle that immediately fled the scene. While her husband sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering, Mrs. Hatchell was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The Burbank Police Department, led by Chief Kenneth Rosander, is actively investigating and reviewing surveillance footage, as well as conducting interviews with potential witnesses, in an effort to identify the driver responsible.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and are committed to finding the person responsible," Chief Rosander stated. This commitment, however, is proving increasingly difficult in the face of a growing trend. Preliminary data released this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a concerning surge in hit-and-run crashes across the United States. The numbers, while still preliminary for 2026, indicate a 12% increase in such incidents compared to 2024, and a staggering 25% rise over the past five years.

Experts attribute this increase to a complex interplay of factors. Increased traffic density in many urban and suburban areas contributes, but so does a shift in driver behavior. Dr. Emily Carter, a transportation psychologist at Northwestern University, explains, "We're seeing a decline in civic responsibility coupled with an increase in impulsivity and risk-taking behind the wheel. Fear of legal repercussions, particularly in cases involving uninsured drivers or those with outstanding warrants, may also be a significant motivator for fleeing the scene."

The impact of these crimes extends far beyond the immediate victims and their families. Hit-and-run incidents often leave victims with substantial medical bills, emotional trauma, and a lengthy legal battle to receive compensation. The Hatchell family, grieving the loss of a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother (survived by her husband, three children, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren), is now facing the added burden of seeking justice and closure.

Community members in Burbank have expressed outrage and are demanding increased safety measures. A petition circulating online calls for improved lighting at intersections, increased police patrols, and the installation of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in high-risk areas. ALPR technology, while raising some privacy concerns, has proven effective in identifying vehicles involved in crimes and locating suspects.

State Representative Sarah Miller, whose district includes Burbank, has pledged to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening penalties for hit-and-run offenses. "Leaving someone to suffer after a collision is unacceptable. We need to send a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated," she stated. The proposed legislation would include mandatory minimum jail sentences for hit-and-run drivers who cause serious injury or death, as well as increased fines.

Beyond legislative action, experts emphasize the importance of public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting responsible driving habits and encouraging witnesses to come forward with information. Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are now expanding their outreach to include hit-and-run awareness, highlighting the devastating consequences of these preventable tragedies. The loss of Mary Ellen Hatchell serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of these crimes, and a call to action for communities to prioritize pedestrian safety and hold offenders accountable. Anyone with information regarding the Burbank hit-and-run is urged to contact the Burbank Police Department immediately.