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City making changes after 63-year-old Tampa woman killed while crossing street

Posted at 8:08 PM, May 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-26 14:12:16-04

TAMPA, Fla. — A 23-year-old driver struck and killed a 63-year-old Tampa woman on Wednesday night.

The accident occurred at 40th Street south of E. Hanlon Street around 8 p.m.  

"It was the worst moment of my entire life, the worst moment of my entire life," said Angel Reid.

Angel Reid said her mother, Leila Reid, was crossing the street to get to a bus stop when she was struck and killed by a driver in a Toyota Corolla.

Police said Reid was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

"I reacted so so angry. 'Why?' 'No, not my mom,'" said Reid.

Neighbors living at River Pines Apartments, a retirement community, said it is dangerous to cross North 40th Street in Tampa to wait for the bus.

"Some of them go really fast," said neighbor Melanease Sullivan.

Tampa city officials said improvements to the street will likely happen by the end of next week to an already existing crosswalk. Crews will add a flashing yellow light on each side of the road and at the median.

"If my mom can inspire any change if there is any positive change made because of her death than that makes me sleep a little bit better," said Reid.

City officials say they will also reduce the size of travel lanes by 2 inches to encourage drivers to go slower.

"If it can save other people from feeling like this then that's a step in the right direction," said Reid.

Tampa Police said the driver who hit Reid is not facing any charges at this time. Police said the driver was unable to avoid Leila Reid.

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral services. Click here for more info