CHICAGO, IL — A devastating crash on Chicago’s South Side late Friday night claimed the lives of 20-year-old Matthew Cuadra and 18-year-old April M. Valencia, and left three others injured, including 26-year-old driver Jacky Valencia, a 15-year-old girl, and a 25-year-old woman. The violent collision has left families heartbroken and the Greater Grand Crossing community mourning the loss of two young lives.
According to the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of West 75th Street and South Vincennes Avenue. Preliminary reports indicate that a 37-year-old woman driving a gray Buick sedan was traveling westbound on 75th Street when she attempted to make a left turn onto Vincennes Avenue.
Investigators say the woman failed to yield while turning, striking a black Dodge that was traveling eastbound through the intersection. The impact was catastrophic — both vehicles sustained extensive damage, and the Dodge was pushed into a parked gray Mercedes-Benz that was unoccupied at the time.
Witnesses described the aftermath as chaotic and heartbreaking.
“There was debris everywhere, and people were screaming,” one witness said. “It all happened so fast — it was just devastating to see.”
Emergency responders from the Chicago Fire Department arrived within minutes, working urgently to assist multiple victims. Matthew Cuadra and April Valencia, both passengers in the Dodge, were transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where they were tragically pronounced dead.
Three others, including the driver of the Dodge — 26-year-old Jacky Valencia (April’s sister) — as well as a 15-year-old girl and a 25-year-old woman, were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
Family members confirmed that April Valencia and her boyfriend, Matthew Cuadra, were the couple who lost their lives in the crash. Jacky Valencia, April’s sister, remains in critical condition as she continues to fight for recovery.
“They were young, full of life, and loved each other deeply,” said a close family friend. “This loss is unbearable — our hearts are broken.”
The driver of the Buick was issued a citation for failure to yield while turning left, according to CPD. No further charges have been announced at this time. The Major Accidents Investigation Unit is leading the inquiry, reviewing possible contributing factors such as speed, distracted driving, or impairment.
Video footage from the scene showed mangled vehicles under bright floodlights as investigators worked late into the night, documenting debris and evidence. The intersection remained closed for several hours before reopening early Saturday morning.
In the days following the crash, friends, neighbors, and community members have come together to support the grieving families. GoFundMe pages and memorial gatherings have been organized to help cover medical and funeral expenses.
“April had a beautiful heart, and Matthew was her world,” one relative shared. “They were inseparable — two young souls taken far too soon.”
As the investigation continues, the community is holding onto hope for Jacky’s recovery and honoring the memories of Matthew and April, whose lives were tragically cut short.
Rest in peace, April Valencia and Matthew Cuadra.
Forever young, forever remembered.
