Meaza Brown death: Family remembers Philadelphia woman killed while walking to work; search for driver continues
As Philadelphia police search for the driver who struck and killed 48-year-old Meaza Brown , family, friends and coworkers laid her to rest on Tuesday.
The incident happened on Nov. 20, as she walked to work in Philadelphia's section of University City.
"Meaza was one of the kindest people I've ever met," said Blen Ashenafi, Brown's niece.
The mother of three was born in Ethiopia but made South Philadelphia her home.
"Everybody going to remember that smile," said her co-worker, Felicia Boyd. "Just brightens up the whole place."
But it's also who she was on the inside that will be ingrained in people's hearts forever.
"She was such an amazing person, and loved by everyone," said her brother-in-law, Eugene Brown. "She was family-oriented."
Loved ones say Brown worked hard to help support her family.
When Brown was walking to her job at the University of Pennsylvania, they say she senselessly lost her life.
"She was a wonderful woman," said Boyd. "She was a pillar in our workplace."
Philadelphia police say Brown was within the crosswalk alongside co-workers on the 3300 block of Market Street when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver.
Detectives say the suspect blew through a red light at a high rate of speed.
"I was in shock," said Boyd. "I just didn't believe, like, someone is coming to work, and something tragic like that to happen, and for the person not to stop."
Brown passed away at the hospital and left behind an international community that says they changed for the better because of her.
"This is a really tough loss for us, but we're handling it as a community, and we're staying strong," said Ashenafi.
The victim leaves behind Kevin, her husband of 23 years, a son, Kevin, and two teenage daughters, Nicole and Dena.
"If you see them, they look just like her," said Eugene. "They are her, and they're going to carry on her legacy. They will. She will live through all of us."
Donations are being collected for funeral expenses and financial support.
Detectives recovered the vehicle involved in the crime that day, about a mile from the scene.
Police have not made any arrests, but sources tell Action News they have some leads.
