Tragic Accident Claims Life of Patrick Lannom in Chicago
On the evening of May 14, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded on Chicago’s Southwest Side, claiming the life of Patrick Lannom, a 76-year-old resident. At approximately 9:23 p.m., Lannom was standing in the 7000-block of South Western Avenue when he was struck by a silver SUV driven by 29-year-old Nyamca Tolefree. According to the Chicago Police Department, Tolefree fled the scene following the collision but was apprehended an hour later in the 2700-block of West Columbus Avenue. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Lannom succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a community mourning his loss.
Court proceedings have revealed disturbing details about the incident. Tolefree faces a felony charge of failing to report a deadly accident, alongside citations for speeding and possession of alcohol, with multiple unsealed bottles of vodka found in her vehicle. Authorities also noted her prior traffic violations, including a DUI earlier in 2025 for which she was under court supervision. On Friday, a judge ordered her detained, with her next court appearance scheduled for June 4.
