Mariyah Ford, a 20-year-old from Sauk Village, tragically lost her life following a hit-and-run incident on Illinois Route 394 in Lynwood. Her family describes her as a passionate and caring young woman who was determined to become a phlebotomist.
Over the weekend, Ford spent time with her aunt, Tanisha Dennis. The close pair enjoyed joint hair and nail appointments as they prepared for a Thornridge High School class reunion. Tanisha shared, “She picked out my outfit the whole weekend.” After attending a reunion after-party, their car ran out of fuel, prompting them to walk to a nearby gas station. It was during this walk that Ford was hit, an event Tanisha says has left her with haunting memories. “It makes it worse, because I hear the falling,” Tanisha said.
Christina Dennis, Mariyah’s mother, hopes sharing her daughter’s story will assist the ongoing police investigation. “There ain’t nothing like her,” Christina said. “She was my first baby, the original one.” The Illinois State Police, who responded to the crash, stated the investigation remains active. Ford passed away from multiple blunt force injuries, as reported by the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Ford and Tanisha had plans to celebrate Ford’s birthday, which fell on the same weekend. They lived together and were engaged in what Tanisha described as a “war of surprises,” trying to outdo each other with thoughtful gestures. They even planned a trip on the Navy Pier ferris wheel, but those plans have now shifted to memorial services. Tanisha wanted to rent a boat to show Ford the city skyline at night, believing she’d enjoy the view.
Described as bubbly and outgoing, Ford loved Disney princess movies and animals. Even though she was “a little kid at heart,” her ambitions were set on becoming a top phlebotomist, excelling in her classes at Thornridge and a vocational program in Olympia Fields. Her brother Tommy Dennis now strives to emulate his sister’s example. “I try to clean more because I know I can’t do better than Mariyah,” Tommy expressed. “She had big plans for when she got older, and that got took away from her.”
Family and friends created a collage of photos to honor Ford, keeping her memory alive amid the ongoing investigation.
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