A tragic story from Washington state has shocked the community, as a legally blind man known for advocating pedestrian safety lost his life in what authorities are calling a road rage incident. Steven Bird, 63, from Tacoma, was walking home with two friends, Lolita and Ken O’Donnell, when they encountered a terrifying situation at a crosswalk in Burien on December 2, 2024.
According to prosecutors, an SUV driven by 18-year-old Naim Hicks sped toward the group as they stepped into the crosswalk near Town Square Park. Witnesses said the vehicle didn’t slow down at a stop sign and came dangerously close to hitting them. Reacting out of fear and frustration, Ken reportedly threw his keys at the SUV, hitting either its back or side.
The SUV came to a sudden stop, and Hicks got out, heading straight for the group. What followed was a heated exchange, during which Hicks allegedly punched both Ken and Steven. Witnesses described how Steven, who had macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease, making him legally blind, couldn’t brace himself after being hit. He fell backward, hitting his head on the pavement with such force that a witness six stories above the scene heard the impact…