New Lenox Native, 25, Killed In Hit-And-Run Remembered For 'Quick Wit, Kind Spirit' & Love For Animals

CHICAGO — A 25-year-old New Lenox native and Chicago resident killed in a hit-and-run crash in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood is being remembered for the "unique joy she brought to those around her," according to her obituary.

Sarah Milcarek, who was working as an attorney according to her LinkedIn, was struck Saturday while trying to walk between two parked cars in the 1400 block of West Irving Park Road, Chicago Police said. The driver attempted to flee the scene multiple times, striking two more vehicles before fleeing on foot into a residence, where he was taken into custody, NBC5 reported. He has since been charged in the crash, Chicago Police said Tuesday.

Milcarek was a longtime resident of New Lenox and a graduate of Lincoln-Way Central High School, according to her social media. She went on to attend Illinois State University, followed by University of Missouri-Columbia Law School, where she graduated in 2025.

Milcarek was the daughter of Lisa and Joe, sister to Nicole and aunt to Coleson. She was engaged to Zachary Kietzmann, her obituary reads.

Family described her as a "devoted animal lover, especially to her beloved cat, Penny Lane.

"She found joy in music, all things Disney and Star Wars, and her collection of stuffed animals," her obituary reads. "She also loved reading and savoring a good cup of coffee. Sarah will be remembered for her quick wit, kind spirit, and the unique joy she brought to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her."

She was a well-known face and beloved employee at Pink Slip Boutique in Mokena, the store shared on social media.

"A real-life Disney princess, she made things better wherever she went," the store wrote. "A recent lawyer, and advocate, a fiancée, a friend, a sister, a daughter, an aunt and a piece of our puzzle that we'll miss forever. Rest in paradise, Sarah."

Visitation for Milcarek will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Hickey Memorial Chapel, 2100 Calistoga Dr. in New Lenox. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, at 11 a.m., also at Hickey Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to See Me Home Senior Dog Sanctuary, 25019 Featherstone Rd, Sturgis, MI 49091.

Charges in Crash

A 34-year-old Chicago man was charged Tuesday in connection with the crash that killed Milcarek.

Miroslaw Ciszek, 34, has been charged with aggravated DUI/accident/death, leaving the scene of an accident with injury/death, driving under the influence of alcohol and DUI alcohol/intoxicating compound/drug.

A detention hearing is set for Tuesday.