A community gathered in solemn unity, singing hymns outside a Pennsylvania home Tuesday evening, as they mourned the loss of 21-year-old Thaduba Turay, a victim of a fatal wrong-way DUI collision on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia.
Thaduba, originally from Sierra Leone, was studying nursing at Cheyney University with aspirations to become a doctor.
The tragic incident occurred early Sunday morning when a driver, heading south in the northbound lanes, struck her vehicle between exits 19 and 20.
Samuel Turay, Thaduba’s father, expressed profound grief over the loss of his daughter.
“She was just my all in all,” he said, struggling with emotions. “We had plans, she had a plan, she had a vision and now she’s gone with all of that.”
Pennsylvania State Police reported that the 44-year-old driver responsible for the crash was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Further details regarding charges or the driver’s release have not been disclosed.
In the wake of the tragedy, Samuel Turay made a heartfelt appeal against drunk driving.
“You are going to take away something very precious from people, from families,” he warned, highlighting the irreversible impact of such reckless actions.
The loss resonates beyond the local community, reaching back to Sierra Leone. Thaduba was a beacon of hope and support for her native community through the “Thaduba Passion Project,” which aids over 30 young girls in pursuing their education by covering school fees and providing supplies.
“It’s a big loss to me. It’s a big loss to the family. It’s a big loss to the church. It’s a big loss to the community and even back home where we came from,” Turay lamented.
As the community in Philadelphia copes with the aftermath, the profound impact of Thaduba’s life and untimely death continues to be felt both locally and abroad.
