By Natalia Rueda 
CHICAGO – The recent killing of Adriana Arocha Duque, a Venezuelan immigrant and Lyft driver, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for safety measures within the app-based ride-sharing industry. Arocha-Duque, a 34-year-old who had sought asylum in the United States, was fatally shot on December 26 as she was driving for the popular ride-hailing service.
According to her family, Arocha Duque moved to the United States looking for a better future and lived alone with her beloved dog. She worked as a Lyft driver to earn extra money. Her brother-in-law, Jhonny Chacón, called for justice for the victim, noting that this has not been the only case of violence in the same area this month.
The Chicago Police Department reported that Arocha-Duque was taking two passengers to the Austin neighborhood when the shooting occurred. Her vehicle was found crashed nearby with her in the driver’s seat, mortally wounded. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Witnesses heard gunshots and video surveillance captured four individuals fleeing from Arocha-Duque’s vehicle, leading police to suspect a possible robbery.
Lyft issued a statement expressing its condolences and promising to help with the investigation. This sad incident not only reflects the problem of gun violence in Chicago, but also the vulnerability of immigrants who come to the United States seeking a better life.
As the search for the killer continues, family and friends mourn the loss of a hardworking and beloved woman. In the midst of grief, her family calls for justice and action to prevent future tragedies like this one.