Report: Palatine Woman's Death Ruled An Accident

A Palatine woman who died after being hit by a car backing out of a driveway was the victim of an accident according to the Cook County medical examiner, the Daily Herald reported.

Jieru Chen, 77, died after being hit around noon Wednesday in the 400 block of N. Hicks near Northwest Highway. Chen was walking with her husband at the time, who was also hit by the vehicle, which was backing out of a private driveway.

Police stated that Chen apparently hit her head on the pavement in the fall. She was ultimately airlifted to Lutheran General Hospital where she died from injuries on Thursday, Feb. 14.

Police stated that a 42-year-old woman was driving the vehicle. The woman told police that she was backing out slowly eastbound from an apartment complex and did not see anyone, or feel any impact. She called 911 after seeing the couple lying on the ground.