UPDATE: A desperate search is underway in Philadelphia for the driver responsible for the tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of 48-year-old Meaza Brown on November 20, 2023. The incident occurred as Brown walked to her job at the University of Pennsylvania in the bustling University City neighborhood.
Family and friends gathered to remember Brown during a heartfelt memorial service held earlier today. “Meaza was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met,” said her niece, Blen Ashenafi, reflecting the deep impact Brown had on those around her. A devoted mother of three, Brown had immigrated from Ethiopia and made South Philadelphia her home.
Witnesses report that Brown was in the crosswalk at the 3300 block of Market Street alongside co-workers when a driver sped through a red light, striking her with devastating force. “I was in shock,” co-worker Felicia Boyd stated. “Just coming to work, and something tragic like that happens, and the person doesn’t stop.” Sadly, Brown succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Loved ones describe her as a “pillar” in both her family and workplace. Her husband, Kevin, and their children, Nicole and Dena, are now left to carry on her legacy. “If you see them, they look just like her,” said brother-in-law Eugene Brown. “They are her, and they will live through all of us.”
The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating the incident and has recovered the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run, found approximately one mile from the crash site. While no arrests have been made yet, authorities report they are following several leads.
Brown’s untimely death has devastated her community, which remembers her not just for her bright smile but also for the kindness she extended to everyone she met. “This is a really tough loss for us, but we’re handling it as a community, and we’re staying strong,” Ashenafi said.
Donations are being collected for Brown’s funeral expenses and to support her grieving family as they navigate this overwhelming tragedy. As the search for the driver continues, the community is rallying together, determined to honor Meaza Brown’s memory and legacy.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
