In a tragic incident in Burien, Washington, a 63-year-old man, Steven Bird, was fatally assaulted by an 18-year-old in a road rage attack. Bird, who was legally blind and a long-time advocate for pedestrian safety, was walking with friends when the attacker nearly ran him over. The incident, which resulted in Bird’s death, shocked the community and raised awareness about pedestrian safety.
Details of the Incident: On December 2, 2024, Steven Bird and his friends, Lolita and Ken O’Donnell, were crossing a road when an SUV, driven by 18-year-old Naim Hicks, almost hit them. As they entered the crosswalk, the vehicle sped through a stop sign, coming dangerously close to hitting them. In response, Ken O’Donnell threw his keys at the vehicle. The SUV then stopped, and Hicks, who was a passenger, got out and approached the group aggressively.
The Attack: What followed was a brief confrontation, during which Hicks punched Bird in the face. Witnesses, including one from a building six stories high, reported hearing the sound of Bird’s head hitting the pavement from that distance. Bird fell to the ground, unable to brace himself due to his condition, and sustained fatal injuries. He was hospitalized but died five days later.
Witnesses and Evidence: Several witnesses confirmed that Bird had not provoked the attack in any way. Prosecutors noted that Bird had macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease, making him legally blind. Despite this, he had been an advocate for pedestrian safety since 2016. Hicks, who had no lights on his vehicle, was later arrested and charged with second-degree murder. His bail was set at $1 million.
Community Reaction: Bird’s friends and colleagues remembered him as a kind and helpful person who always wanted to make things better. His death has deeply affected the community, and his dedication to pedestrian safety has left a lasting impact. People who knew Bird expressed their sadness and disbelief, with many describing him as a “perfect human being.”
Conclusion: The tragic death of Steven Bird serves as a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face, especially in road rage incidents. It also highlights the importance of road safety advocacy and the need for greater awareness to protect vulnerable individuals. Bird’s work as a pedestrian safety advocate will continue to inspire others to take action in promoting safer streets for all.
FAQs
- Who was Steven Bird?
Steven Bird was a 63-year-old man from Tacoma, Washington, who was legally blind. He was an advocate for pedestrian safety and worked with the group Downtown on the Go. - What happened to Steven Bird?
Bird was fatally assaulted during a road rage incident in Burien, Washington, when 18-year-old Naim Hicks punched him after nearly hitting him with an SUV. - Why was Steven Bird legally blind?
Bird suffered from macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease, two conditions that caused him to lose his vision. - What charges did Naim Hicks face?
Naim Hicks, the 18-year-old who punched Bird, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He remains in custody with bail set at $1 million. - How did the community react to Steven Bird’s death?
The community was devastated by Bird’s death, remembering him as a kind, helpful person and a strong advocate for pedestrian safety.
