Home Charlottesville: Driver charged with failing to yield in fatal pedestrian crash
The Latest

Charlottesville: Driver charged with failing to yield in fatal pedestrian crash

Crystal Graham
charlottesville police
(© peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com)

An investigation into a fatal accident on Elliott Avenue on Oct. 3 has been completed by the Charlottesville Police Department.

Officers with the traffic unit found that the victim, Mamawa Simai, was walking northbound in a crosswalk marked with stripes. The area was poorly lit and had no signage or flashing lights, according to police.

Matthew Kozub was traveling eastbound when he struck Simai in the crosswalk. Kozub remained on scene and called 911.

Simai was pronounced dead after being transported to the UVA Medical Center.

There is no evidence that speed, drugs, alcohol or cellphone usage were factors in the crash, according to the Charlottesville PD.

Kozub has been charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and he was served with a permitted warrant.

His next court date is Nov. 8 at 9 a.m.

Support AFP

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]