Families allege Indiana motorist struck, killed woman in Calumet Heights, injured another pedestrian

Two Lombard residents have sued a driver who allegedly struck two pedestrians, killing one, in Chicago's Calumet Heights neighborhood in May.

Robin McKenley-Wheeler and Deandre Wheeler, of Lombard, special administrator of the estate of Sandra Miller of Chicago, filed a lawsuit June 2 in Cook County Circuit Court against Dawn McDowell, of Hammond, Ind., alleging vehicular negligence in a May accident.

According to the complaint, on May 10, McDowell was driving southbound on Stony Island Avenue in Chicago near its intersection with 89th Street, when McDowell's vehicle struck pedestrians Wheeler and Miller in the intersection.

The suit cites the defendant with failure to properly operate, maintain and control her vehicle; slow and stop her automobile and avoid colliding with the plaintiffs; keep a sufficient lookout; and give audible warning of her approach.

The suit says Wheeler sustained severe injuries, diminished capability to tend to everyday affairs, and medical expenses. Miller was killed, and the suit states Miller’s next of kin, son Deandre Miller, has suffered loss of society in his mother’s death.

The plaintiffs seek damages of more than $50,000, plus attorney fees and costs. They are represented by attorney Robert Bieniek, of Harvey L. Walner & Associates in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No.: 15-L-5538.