‘Beautiful to know’: Family mourns mother struck by Cook County Sheriff’s deputy in Glenview

CHICAGO — Family is remembering a mother who sustained fatal injuries after being struck by a Cook County Sheriff’s deputy Tuesday in Glenview.

Mercedes Smith, 28, of Chicago, was walking in the 9800 block of Milwaukee Avenue in Glenview just after 5 a.m.

Circumstances are unclear, but she was struck that morning by a Cook County Sheriff’s deputy.

Smith was transported to Lutheran General in critical condition where she was placed in a medical-induced coma.

Family learned the gutting news that she was declared brain dead and transported her to RUSH Medical Center where they will take her off life support on Friday.

“She was beautiful to know and be around,” her sister Markquita told WGN News. “A real, deep person. She was really dependable and her daughter loved her so much.”

Coming from a big family of six, Smith gave birth to the light of her life, Monashay, ten years ago.

Family has not told her yet and did not want to traumatize her by seeing her mother in the hospital.

“She’s been doing so good in school. We are going to tell her after,” Smith said.

Family signed approval for organ donation and know that she will save lives.

“Monashay was the apple of her eye,” Smith said. “She loved her daughter.”

Glenview police issued a press release Wednesday night saying she died. However, police explained to WGN News Thursday that they received a time of death from the hospital and were not aware she was only brain dead.

According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy involved in the incident was not placed on administrative leave, but voluntarily took time off as the investigation continues.

The North Regional Major Crimes Task Force is handling the investigation and said the Cook County Sheriff’s Office is cooperating.