Edwin Espinoza, a 35-year-old off-duty Chicago police officer, was identified as the fatality in a single-vehicle crash in Oak Lawn on Sunday, November 26. According to Chicago police, the car skidded off the road and struck a tree on Sunday morning. Edwin Espinoza was declared deceased at Christ Medical Center by Oak Lawn first responders who arrived at the site of a crash at 7:50 a.m. The reasons surrounding the tragedy remain unknown as investigators continue to investigate. Oak Lawn police said on social media that the ramp from westbound 95th Street to northbound Harlem Avenue was closed from around 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. after the incident.
In the wake of the tragic Oak Lawn car accident that killed off-duty Chicago police officer Edwin Espinoza, a family member has created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs. The fundraiser, which has raised over $21,000 exceeding the $20,000 target, mentions: “We are heartbroken to share that we have lost a son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend; Edwin Espinoza on the morning of Sunday, November 26th. He was deeply loved by his parents, brothers and sisters, niece and nephews, numerous cousins, and friends. We are deeply saddened to have lost him so soon.”
Officer Espinoza joined the Chicago Police Department about a year ago
Hundreds more contributors expressed their condolences and prayers in response to the tragic loss. A contributor replied to the victim’s family, “My condolences to the family, I sincerely hope everything gets better, and rest in peace.” In a post on Facebook, social media users penned a heartfelt tribute to the late officer.
“My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Officer Espinoza. May he forever rest in peace. God Bless. R.I.P OFFICER EDWIN ESPINOZA.” A friend also mourned the death of the late officer in an emotional post on Facebook: “This isn’t fair. You were taken from this world and us way too soon… I’m sure as f**k going to miss you, bro….Long live your memory and long live TCO Productions. You were one of the main influences that got me into music. I’ll always remember you brother.”
Officer Espinoza joined the Chicago Police Department about a year ago as a probationary officer and was assigned to the 15th District in the Austin area, according to an email written internally to the department and cited by the Chicago Sun-Times.