Pedestrians struck by SUV while crossing near Maple Avenue
November 07, 2025 | Downers Grove, IL
Two pedestrians died from injuries after an SUV struck them while they crossed a road in unincorporated DuPage County, authorities confirmed.
The incident unfolded around 6 p.m. on November 7, near a busy intersection in Downers Grove.
Marquisa Morris, 42, and Jermaine Morris, 44, of Downers Grove, died after an SUV struck them on Belmont Road near Maple Avenue in unincorporated DuPage County.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Victims: Marquisa Morris, 42, and Jermaine Morris, 44
- Location: Belmont Road near Maple Avenue, unincorporated DuPage County
- Time: Approximately 6 p.m.
- Vehicle: SUV
- Outcome: Both victims transported to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital and pronounced dead
- Driver: Remained at scene, cooperated with police, no charges reported
The collision occurred at an intersection mostly within Downers Grove city limits.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Illinois reported 299,133 motor vehicle crashes in 2023, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Pedestrian incidents represented 1.5 percent of total crashes but accounted for 17.3 percent of fatal crashes and 6.8 percent of injury crashes.
Statistic |
Value |
|---|
Total motor vehicle crashes in Illinois (2023) |
299,133 |
Pedestrian-involved crashes (% of total) |
1.5% |
Pedestrian fatalities (% of all fatal crashes) |
17.3% |
Pedestrian injuries (% of all injury crashes) |
6.8% |
Pedestrians killed statewide |
195 |
National trends show a nearly 60 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities since 2013, per the Governors Highway Safety Association. Larger vehicles like SUVs contribute to visibility challenges for drivers.
Legal Insights
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- Accident reconstruction teams often help determine causes in cases such as this
- Resources aid families seeking compensation after collisions
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of income, companionship, funeral costs, and emotional distress
- Attorneys advocate to prevent quick, unfair insurance settlements
About Newsline
Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., stands as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Rigorous editorial standards include a 24-hour review of corrections submissions, as detailed in the Corrections Policy.
Advertise with Newsline to reach audiences interested in insurance, automotive, and safety topics.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).