Venus Ayalani Dies in Alleged DUI Crash on Chicago’s South Side

clock Created with Sketch Beta. July 02, 2026
Venus Ayalani Dies in Alleged DUI Crash on Chicago’s South Side

CHICAGO, IL (June 28, 2026) — Two people were killed, including 26-year-old Venus Ayalani, when an alleged impaired driver caused a head-on collision in Chicago’s Jackson Park neighborhood early Sunday morning, according to the Chicago Police Department.

The crash happened shortly after midnight in the 1800 block of East Hayes Drive when a vehicle allegedly crossed into oncoming traffic and struck another car head-on, police said.

Ayalani, a passenger in one of the vehicles, died in the crash. The driver of the other vehicle, a 27-year-old man, also suffered fatal injuries. Two additional occupants were injured, one critically, authorities said.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with reckless homicide, aggravated DUI causing death, aggravated DUI causing bodily harm, and several motor vehicle citations, including speeding, in connection with the crash.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Incident Location


DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Despite crackdowns nationwide, impaired drivers continue to endanger innocent, law-abiding motorists and passengers on U.S. roadways.

Alcohol consumption can severely impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle — a risk DUI suspects should weigh before getting behind the wheel. Drivers under the influence often experience poor judgment, blurred vision, slowed coordination, and delayed reaction times.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that roughly 37 people are killed in drunk driving crashes every day, and about 32% of all traffic fatalities nationwide involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In Illinois alone, an estimated 471 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2022.

A thorough, independent investigation will be needed to determine additional contributing factors, including the suspect’s blood-alcohol content at the time of the crash.

Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, weighed in on cases like this one.

“Separate from any criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any available surveillance footage from the scene, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an injured victim through this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a driver who chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired is held accountable for their actions.”


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the family of Venus Ayalani may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim. Families of wrongful death victims can seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this one.

“The stress and sorrow can be overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand what families must go through, and ensuring their rights are protected is essential. A wrongful death attorney will monitor the official investigation closely and help make certain that the family’s legal rights and best interests are safeguarded.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News 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 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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