Tribune Offers $10,000 Reward for Information in Hit and Run Accident

Eight-Year-Old Son of Tribune Publishing Employee Killed

CHICAGO, Aug. 28 -- Tribune Company today announced that it is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information provided to the Chicago Police Department leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the hit and run death of Luis D. Mesa. Luis was the 8-year-old son of Maria Mesa, an employee of the Tribune-owned South Florida Sun-Sentinel and former Chicago Tribune employee.

While in Chicago visiting his family, Luis was struck and killed by a dark colored 4-door Chevrolet on the 6200 block of West Grand Avenue on Friday, August 15 at 9:30 p.m. CT. The car was traveling eastbound. At the time the accident occurred, Maria, Luis and his brother Andy, his aunt and two cousins were crossing the street after saying goodbye to family members at the end of a week-long vacation in Chicago.

"Luis was a happy child who brought laughter to all who knew him," said Moises Bernal, Luis' uncle. "He had really enjoyed his visit to Chicago and the time he spent with his cousins and grandparents."

Luis was scheduled to start third grade at Palm Springs Elementary School near his home in Hialeah, Florida. He enjoyed drawing, reading, playing with his Yu-Gi-Oh cards and spending time with his brothers and parents, Maria and Jorge Felix.

"On behalf of our employee Maria Mesa, Tribune Company is reaching out to the community for assistance in identifying those responsible for this terrible accident," said Luis Lewin, Tribune Company senior vice president/human resources. "We hope that this reward will encourage anyone with information about the accident to come forward and speak with the Chicago Police."

The company will partner with neighborhood community groups to distribute reward flyers in and around the accident site. This weekend the staff of Hoy will distribute the flyers at the Fiesta Boricua in Humboldt Park area.

Anyone with information about the accident is encouraged to contact the Chicago Police Department at (312)745-4521.