Dawn Watson dies in fatal West Philadelphia hit-and-run
Dawn Watson dies in fatal West Philadelphia hit-and-run
Fatal West Philadelphia hit-and-run death of Dawn Watson – Obituary.
Philadelphia authorities have identified the victim of a hit-and-run that occurred Thursday night in West Philadelphia as 14-year-old Dawn Watson. The incident took place shortly after 9:30 p.m. as Watson and her mother were crossing Haverford Avenue near 66th Street. A speeding vehicle struck the young girl while she was in the crosswalk.
“They had just come from the store, carrying groceries, when the vehicle hit the girl,” shared Inspector Michael Gormley of the Philadelphia Police Department.
The mother of the victim was unharmed, but the driver did not stop following the collision. The only witness to the tragic event was Watson’s mother, who was left in deep distress.
Surveillance footage captured the heartbreaking moment the car, described as a dark gray Mercedes sedan, collided with Watson and fled the scene.
By Friday afternoon, a memorial for Dawn Watson had emerged at the intersection. Donna Williams, who did not personally know the family, contributed a teddy bear and balloons to the growing tribute. “I just wanted the family to see that someone cares. It’s a small gesture, but it’s meaningful,” she said.
Local residents expressed frustration over long-standing concerns about speeding in the area, despite the presence of schools, a library, and a playground nearby. Yuri Ashford, a nearby resident, described the constant reckless driving, saying, “People are always rushing to beat the yellow light, going 40, 50, even 60 miles per hour.”
Others, like longtime resident Saida, shared their own close encounters. Saida recounted nearly being struck the morning after Watson’s death. When she confronted the driver, she was told, “Mind your business, you’re not a traffic guard.”
Residents are now hoping for action from local authorities to address the dangerous conditions at the intersection. “The city has installed speed bumps in some areas, but there are other places that desperately need them,” Ashford added.
Saida, meanwhile, stressed the urgency of the issue. “I see near accidents every day. If nothing is done, it will happen again.”
As of now, police have not provided further details about the vehicle, and no arrests have been made. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Dawn Watson dies in fatal West Philadelphia hit-and-run Fatal West Philadelphia hit-and-run death of Dawn Watson – Obituary. Philadelphia authorities have identified the victim of a hit-and-run that occurred Thursday night in West Philadelphia as 14-year-old Dawn Watson. The incident took place shortly after 9:30 p.m. as Watson and her mother were crossing Haverford Avenue…
Dawn Watson dies in fatal West Philadelphia hit-and-run Fatal West Philadelphia hit-and-run death of Dawn Watson – Obituary. Philadelphia authorities have identified the victim of a hit-and-run that occurred Thursday night in West Philadelphia as 14-year-old Dawn Watson. The incident took place shortly after 9:30 p.m. as Watson and her mother were crossing Haverford Avenue…