Woman, 79, killed when grandson accidentally presses gas on car

NILES, IL -- A 79-year-old suburban Niles woman was killed when police said her 13-year-old grandson accidentally pressed on her minivan's gas pedal, causing her to be struck by an open door.

Kuem S. Cho had given her grandson keys to her minivan so he could help her put the vehicle, police said. Authorities said Cho walked up to the open driver's side door when the teen shifted the vehicle into reverse with his foot on the gas pedal instead of the brake.

Police say the vehicle backed up with the driver's side door open, striking Cho.

The accident occurred at about 9 p.m. Saturday in a parking lot in the 9200-block of Maryland.

The woman was transported to a hospital, where she later died.

The Cook County medical examiner ruled the death an accident, citing multiple blunt force injuries. Police are investigating.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.