Atlanta

Community wants changes after woman killed crossing street

ATLANTA — A community is fighting for changes and pleading for a driver to come forward after a woman was hit and killed while crossing the street.

Helen Anderson, 59, was a mother and caretaker known as the "neighborhood grandmother."

She was hit by two cars Sunday night as she crossed Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway at Woods Drive in northwest Atlanta.

One driver stopped to check on Anderson, but the other sped away. Police are still searching for the second driver.

"Who does that to a human soul, let alone someone's mother?" Pastor Vonnie Dakeku said.

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Loved ones gathered Friday night for a vigil to honor Anderson's life.

"She shined light all over Atlanta. She shined light," family friend Dee Dewberry said.

Family and friends want to see changes in the area in which Anderson was killed.

"It's a severe tragedy that could have been prevented if there was a crosswalk, if there was a streetlight (or) if there was a traffic signal. People fly down here 50 to 60 mph," Dakeku said.

Dakeku said they want the Georgia Department of Transportation to check out the intersection.

"We're asking for the Georgia Department of Transportation to come and do a traffic study. Look at what's going on here because children have to cross the street to get to the bus stop," he said.

Friends also want the driver to come forward.

"Turn yourself in. Give us some justice to know that Ms. Helen did not die in vain," Dewberry said.

Anyone with information on the incident can call CrimeStoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).