University student’s life was changed after seeing another’s get cut short

  Hope Drake was just steps behind Yuxi Wu at the 51st Street crosswalk when a northbound car barreled down Troost Avenue, seemingly out of thin air.

  Drake hardly had time to process the impact it would have on her as the situation unfolded before her eyes. Since witnessing the accident that killed Wu, Drake hasn’t been able to use the crosswalk that connects  her neighborhood to  school.

“I’m scared to walk from here to my house, I have to drive now, and it’s only a two-minute drive that’s barely worth it,” said Drake. “It’s gonna stick with me for a long, long time.”

With the help of her roommate and fellow UMKC student, Alannah Zuber, Drake was able to get a petition created in less than 24 hours, urging  the city to implement a stoplight at the intersection for public safety.

Currently, there are 425 of the first goal of 500 signatures.

“The biggest thing for me as a witness and why I want to do this is because I’m going to carry this with me for the rest of my life,” said Drake. “If I can put one drop of water into the pool that helps prevent this from happening again, I would love to do that to try and make peace of mind with myself.”

In a Facebook post on Sept. 28, the Troost Avenue District said that the city approved funds to study the changes needed to decrease traffic speeds and improve vehicular and pedestrian safety. The study will take place over the next few months.

“We look forward to working with Kansas City and other community leaders to ensure that traffic speeds are reduced, intersections and pedestrian crossings are improved as soon as possible so that tragedies like this aren’t as likely in the future,” the posting said.

  On Friday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m., the Conservatory will hold a memorial concert in honor of Wu at the Grant Recital Hall.

  Several faculty members will perform, staff and leadership will give brief remarks and there will be a chance for fellow students to speak in remembrance. 

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