Family and friends say final goodbyes to 7-year-old boy fatally hit by NYPD tow truck

A somber ceremony to bid farewell to a seven-year-old boy who lost his life after an NYPD tow truck hit him last month has been held. Kamari Hughes’ family was warmly welcomed by a full congregation at Brooklyn’s Brown Memorial Baptist Church, with notable attendees such as NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Attorney General Letitia James.

Kamari, who was a Spiderman enthusiast, had his casket adorned in his favorite superhero theme and was somberly loaded into a hearse, accompanied by the heart-wrenching sight of his grieving mother, Taqunda.

A close family friend noted that Kamari was treated with utmost dignity, likening his departure to that of a little king. He added that the tragedy had robbed him of the chance to fully experience life.

Kamari was fatally hit by an NYPD tow truck, reportedly driven by Stephanie Sharp, 54, on October 26. Sharp, a civilian member of the NYPD, has been charged with offenses including failing to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care.

In a funeral gathering at the Brooklyn church, Kamari’s loved ones reminisced about the spirited youngster. Shania, a family friend, shared memories of him doing backflips and playing on the swings, emphasizing his vibrant nature. She fondly described him as a beautiful, sweet young boy who enjoyed life to the fullest, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Mayor Adams attended Kamari’s funeral after a prior meeting with his mother on the day of the tragic incident. Adams stayed for approximately 20 minutes, later having a private conversation with Taqunda.

Attorney General James, present for the entire service, seemed familiar with many of the boy’s gathered loved ones during this solemn occasion. The boy’s uncle DaQuan Askew noted the presence of two prominent figures from New York City at the funeral, emphasizing how his nephew left a poignant legacy despite his young age. Reflecting on cherished memories, he expressed that Kamari remains a light source in his daily life.

Kamari, a second-grader at Brooklyn Prospect Charter School, lost his life on his way to school. He was fatally struck by the NYPD tow truck while crossing the street on his scooter with his mother.

The collision occurred around 7:45 am when the tow truck made a right turn, resulting in the seven-year-old’s death at the scene. According to witness Tyrana Carter, the boy was riding a bright green scooter alongside his mother, who was pushing another child in a scooter.

Carter claimed that the tow truck driver seemed to be attempting to beat a yellow light when the tragic accident occurred. Carter, acquainted with Kamari through her granddaughter’s daycare, described the seven-year-old as a vibrant and energetic child with a promising future.

After the tragic incident, witness Mary Lynne Werlwas reported a distressing scene at the crosswalk, where a crowd had gathered around Kamari’s mother, Taqunda, who was visibly distraught. Werlwas mentioned hearing Taqunda’s anguished cry, “My baby is dead.”

Antwoan Hayes, another witness, recounted the heart-wrenching moment when Taqunda chased the tow truck down the street, screaming at the driver for taking her child’s life. The entire community was deeply upset by the tragedy.