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Legally Blind Pedestrian Advocate Killed in Road Rage Incident in Washington State
Steven Bird, a 63-year-old pedestrian safety advocate from Tacoma, Washington, tragically lost his life following a senseless road rage attack on December 2, 2024. Bird, who was legally blind due to macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease, was walking home with his longtime friends, Lolita and Ken O’Donnell, when the incident unfolded in Burien, Washington.
According to prosecutors, Bird and his friends were using a crosswalk near Town Square Park when a white SUV, allegedly driven by 18-year-old Naim Hicks, nearly struck the group without stopping at a stop sign. In response, Ken O’Donnell threw his keys at the SUV as it sped by. The vehicle came to an abrupt stop, and Hicks reportedly exited, escalating the situation.
Unprovoked Attack
Witnesses described the confrontation as brief but violent. Hicks reportedly struck both Ken and Bird, with Bird falling backward and hitting his head on the pavement. A witness six stories above the scene later recalled hearing the sickening sound of Bird’s head striking the ground.
Charging documents state that Bird made no offensive gestures or aggressive moves toward Hicks before the attack. Despite receiving immediate medical care, Bird succumbed to his injuries five days later.
A Loss Felt by Many
Bird was known for his work as a safety advocate with "Downtown on the Go," a local organization focused on pedestrian and transportation safety. Laura Svancarek, Interim Executive Director of the organization, called Bird "the kind of person who always wanted to help and make things better."
Friend Andrea Williams remembered him as "a perfect human being" and noted that Bird often said he feared being hit by a car one day.
Legal Proceedings
Hicks was arrested last week and charged with second-degree murder. He remains in custody with bail set at $1 million.
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