UPDATE: Philadelphia police are urgently searching for the hit-and-run driver who fatally struck 48-year-old Meaza Brown as she walked to work on November 20, 2023. Family, friends, and coworkers gathered to remember her life as the investigation continues.
The tragic incident occurred in the University City neighborhood, right at a crosswalk on the 3300 block of Market Street, while Brown was en route to her job at the University of Pennsylvania. Eyewitnesses report that the suspect blew through a red light at a high rate of speed, causing a devastating collision.
“I was in shock,” said Felicia Boyd, a coworker of Brown. “I just couldn’t believe that someone would come to work and face something so tragic, and for the person not to stop.”
Brown, originally from Ethiopia, was not just a valued employee but a beloved mother and wife. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Kevin, and their three children: a son named Kevin and two teenage daughters, Nicole and Dena. “If you see them, they look just like her,” her brother-in-law, Eugene Brown, shared. “They are her, and they’re going to carry on her legacy.”
Loved ones described Brown as a beacon of kindness, with her niece Blen Ashenafi stating, “Meaza was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.” Her coworkers echoed the sentiment, highlighting how her smile could light up any room.
The loss of Brown has left her community reeling. “This is a really tough loss for us, but we’re handling it as a community, and we’re staying strong,” Ashenafi added.
As the search for the driver continues, detectives have recovered the vehicle involved in the incident about a mile from the scene. While police have not yet made any arrests, sources report that they are following several promising leads.
In a show of support, donations are being collected to assist with funeral expenses and provide financial support to Brown’s grieving family. The call for help highlights the profound impact Brown had on her community, with many rallying around her loved ones in this time of need.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities urge anyone with information about the driver or the incident to come forward. The urgency of this case remains clear, as the community seeks justice for a woman whose life was tragically cut short.
