Somali community in US grieves the loss of beloved member

The Somali community is grieving the loss of one of their most beloved members killed in a traffic accident near 52nd Street and McDowell Road Monday night.

Deqa Osman came to the United States at the age of 19, fleeing war-torn Somalia nearly two decades ago.

“My aunts and uncles, they all left at a young age looking for hope and opportunity,” said Radwa Osman, Deqa's daughter.

The single mother didn't waste that opportunity, raising eight children in the United States.

But it was her connection with the Somali Community in Phoenix that grew that family even more.

“If she sees charities she’ll donate, if she sees homeless people she’ll give them money, if she sees hungry people she’ll give food,” said Radwa.

Radwa was on the phone with her mother when tragedy struck Monday night.

“She died helping somebody,” said Radwa.

Osman was attempting to help another driver involved in the accident when two other cars collided.

One of the vehicles pushed onto the sidewalk killing both Osman and 36-year-old recent Ph.D. graduate Jane Hurley.

“Devastating to the community, devastating to the family,” said Radwa.

While her life was lost, it was the way she lived that left an impression on so many.