San Francisco officials have identified the victim in the fatal crash Monday in the Sunset as a Chinese immigrant woman.
Huansu He was 66, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed.
He’s family launched a GoFundMe page to garner donations in the wake of her death.
“We are devastated by her sudden loss,” the crowd-funding post reads, “and her family is not prepared for the high cost associated with her passing.”
By Wednesday afternoon, the campaign had collected more than $4,500 for He’s family.
We are saddened to learn about the tragic passing of Huansu He yesterday. Huansu was a dedicated mother, grandmother and aunt. Any donations would be greatly appreciated by the family.https://t.co/SD7Dt7XuxI
— Community Youth Center of San Francisco (@cyc_sf) October 26, 2022
The family said they are focused on dealing with the tragedy and referred The Standard to their private attorney for further comment.
The multi-car crash, which struck He and one other woman, happened at 10:50 a.m. Monday at 24th Avenue and Santiago Street, according to the police report. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The other woman, also a senior, was rushed to the hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries, police said.
The man behind the wheel, 47-year-old Hayward resident Robert Green, was arrested on multiple charges, including driving under the influence of drugs.
“DUIs remain a serious issue,” the San Francisco Police Department said in a statement. “With the holiday season approaching, incidents of DUI often increase, and the SFPD reminds the public to celebrate responsibly.”
He, an immigrant from China, moved to the United States six years ago after her husband died. She lived with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in the Sunset, according to the GoFundMe post and Supervisor Gordon Mar’s Office. The supervisor has been in contact with the family.
“Huansu is not only a dear mother but also a wonderful aunt, grandmother and friend,” the post said. “She is gentle, caring and selfless, always putting others before her own needs.”
He’s death marks the 16th pedestrian death in San Francisco this year, and 29th of all traffic deaths including drivers, scooters and motorcyclists, according to safe-street advocacy group Walk SF.
Walk SF Director Jodie Medeiros told The Standard that seniors are still the most susceptible to what the group calls “traffic violence”: half of the city’s pedestrian deaths so far this year were elders.
Just last Saturday, Oct. 22, a senior female pedestrian was hit at 19th Avenue and Buckingham Way, and succumbed to her injuries on Monday.
“We need San Francisco to prioritize people, not fast-moving traffic, on our streets,” Medeiros said. “The pandemic unleashed even more aggressive driving, especially dangerous speeding.”