On Sunday, April 28, Jamie Poulos was celebrating her 23rd birthday during a night out with friends in Chicago, Illinois. That is when tragedy struck. On her way home from the celebration, a vehicle slammed into the back of an Uber that was carrying Jamie and her friends around 3:00 a.m.
The impact from the white Infiniti sedan caused the Uber to go up in flames.
Anastacio Morales, one of the passengers, was able to pull the driver and fellow passenger Alexandria Kariott from the vehicle. Unfortunately, Anastacio could not reach Jamie in the back seat. Jamie, who was a student at Morton College, was pronounced dead on the scene.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and everyone impacted by this terrible incident,” a statement from Uber read. “We stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation.”
Following the accident, Morales was hesitant to be called a hero.
“I’m teeter-totting between being called a hero and feeling like I wasn’t able to do enough for one of my friends,” Morales said, via WLS-TV. “It’s hard, but I know I saved a very good friend of mine.”
Jamie’s mother, Andrea, said she did not want Morales to feel guilty over her daughter’s death.
“For him it’s going to be a nightmare and I don’t want him to beat himself up about it because he’s going to see it every time he closes his eyes,” Andrea told the Chicago Tribune. “My heart is breaking for him, too, because I know how badly he feels but he shouldn’t; he tried to go back again for her.”
According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the vehicle that collided with the Uber fled the scene on foot. Police continue to investigate the crash.
Our deepest condolences are with Jamie’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.