Football player Anakin Perez was lovingly raised by his mother, Alejandra Gallegos, following the passing of his father in 2019.
Anakin Cesar Perez was a 9-year-old fourth grader at Ronald E. McNair Elementary School in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
On the morning of Thursday, September 18, 2025, he was tragically struck and killed by a car while crossing the street just outside his school.
Anakin was then transported to Stroger Hospital and tragically passed away.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed him trying to signal the driver to stop before being struck and dragged nearly 75 feet.
The driver, a woman who had just dropped off her own child at the school, initially fled the scene but later returned.
Despite the severity of the incident, she was released without charges.
Anakin Perez’s Family Is Calling For Justice After The Woman Who Struck And Killed A 9-Year-Old Was Released!
Anakin Perez was born on June 13, 2016, to mother Alejandra Gallegos and father Cesar Perez.
Alejandra described him as “amazing” and “loving” and said he was a “momma’s boy” who was always close to her.
In her grief, she asked how the driver, also a mother, could go home and hug her children while she could never do that again with her son.
Moreover, she is pleading for justice, saying:
Justice for my papi
In the video just like they stopped it before the driver hit him, that’s how the driver should’ve stopped before hitting my son, you can clearly see my papi running away from the car as he saw it wasn’t stopping
On the other hand, Anakin’s father had passed away before him on March 27, 2019, making the loss even harder for the family.
Furthermore, other relatives also spoke out. His grandmother, Anna Maritza Perez, shared that everyone in the neighborhood knew and loved him, saying:
I am in disbelief. Our hearts are shattered by the loss of my loving, handsome, sweet grandson, Anakin Cesar Perez, who was taken from us far too soon at just nine years old
. He captured so many hearts and was loved by his community, his classmates, his football teammates, and especially us, his FAMILY. Born on June 13,2016 he was a bright light in our lives, and we will cherish every memory we have of him.
Furthermore, she added that her son and grandson have been reunited and are now watching over them, saying:
While the pain is immense, we find a small measure of comfort knowing he is not alone. He is now reunited with his father, MY SON and together they are in a place of peace, watching over us until we meet again. Their love will forever live on in our family’s memory. RIP PAPITO 6/13/16 ~ 9/18/25
Moreover, people are calling for better safety near schools, saying drivers often ignore stop signs and speed through the area.
Currently, the family is demanding justice and changes to protect other children from similar tragedies.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Anakin Perez’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Beautiful Soul!
