A tragedy struck a Filipino family in Chicago when 40-year-old Mark Carlo Arceta was killed in a violent car crash—just a day before his wife gave birth to their second child.
Arceta was on his way to work in downtown Chicago when his SUV was rammed by a getaway car driven by thieves fleeing a smash-and-grab burglary at a luxury fashion store.
According to Chicago Police, the suspects’ car was traveling at over 100 miles per hour when it slammed into Arceta’s vehicle, crushing it “like a tin can.” He was rushed to Northwestern Hospital but later died from severe injuries.
The burglary happened early morning on September 11, with seven suspects stealing merchandise worth nearly $1 million before fleeing.
A Father’s Life Cut Short
For his wife, Roanne Masangcay, the loss was unbearable. In a phone interview, she described her husband as nothing but kind and loving.
“They took a very loving father, a really good partner, and a very good dad. He was supposed to be with us,” Roanne said, her voice breaking.
Adding to the heartbreak, Roanne gave birth to their baby just one day after Mark’s death—a bittersweet moment that turned what should have been a celebration into a mourning. She had even filed for his paternity leave ahead of time, unknowingly marking his last day of duty.
Justice and Healing
Chicago Police said the suspects, who already have multiple criminal records, now face murder, burglary, and retail theft charges.
Meanwhile, the Arceta family is raising funds to cover funeral costs and support the needs of Roanne and her two young children.
What was supposed to be the start of a new chapter for their family has instead turned into a painful journey of loss—one that Roanne now faces while holding on to the memory of a husband she describes as irreplaceable.
