A single mother of six was instantly killed after a reckless driver ran her over, then fled the scene in a Brooklyn crash. The pain has been “indescribable,” according to Tamika Richards’ loved one who now mourns her family and friend who was taken away way too soon. One of the victim’s sons was also injured in the hit-and-run and remains in critical condition.
“They took my mother, my younger sisters have to grow up without a parent now,” said Shatalyah Parker, the victim’s oldest daughter told ABC7. “Just turn yourself in. You hurt a lot of people.”
Richards was 41 years old at the time of her passing. Family say she leaves behind several dozens family members and friends, many of whom were unable to kiss her goodbye before her unexpected passing.
“She was amazing, she was a warrior, she was a soldier,” Donnell Folks, Richards’ brother, said.
Family say Richards died a hero. During the incident, she attempted to shield one of her sons from the driver who would eventually take her life and leave her 18-year-old son Rayquan Parker in the hospital, according to her family.
“She would do anything for anybody,” Richard’s father Donald Folks recalls. “She would give you her last. That’s the type of person she was.”
Authorities are still investigating the matter, but have revealed that the driver barreled into Richards and her son as they were on Mermaid Avenue at West 24th Street on Coney Island Friday evening.
Family say the son who was injured has yet to be informed that his mother has passed.
“He has to get surgery today, he can’t find out right now until he is stable,” Richard’s sister Shaquana Folks said. “And we’re asking everyone in the world please keep us in prayer.”
This family is now demanding answers in hopes justice is served to the reckless driver soon.
“I want to know who killed my sister,” Donnell Folks said.
“The more you run, the more you’re hurting, everyone else we just want justice for my mother,” one of Richards’ children said. Until they receive the justice they so rightfully deserve, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses.
Police are currently in search of a red truck they say was involved in the hit-and-run. It was last seen going westbound on Mermaid Avenue, according to investigators.
