A tragic incident unfolded in Burien, Washington, on December 2, 2024, when a 63-year-old man, Steven Bird, was fatally injured in a road rage attack. Bird, who was legally blind, had been an advocate for pedestrian safety for years, working with a local group to promote awareness and protection for pedestrians. On that fateful day, Bird was walking with two friends, Lolita and Ken O’Donnell, when they encountered an 18-year-old driver, Naim Hicks.
As Bird and his friends stepped into a crosswalk, Hicks, who was driving an SUV, nearly struck them. The vehicle did not slow down at the stop sign, and it passed dangerously close to the group. In response, Ken O’Donnell threw his keys at the SUV, which hit either the back or side of the vehicle. The vehicle then came to a stop in the middle of the westbound lanes. It was at this point that Hicks, who had a passenger with him, exited the vehicle and confronted the group.
What followed was a brief but violent confrontation. Witnesses reported that Hicks quickly became aggressive, striking both Bird and Ken in the face. The altercation escalated quickly, and during the scuffle, Bird, unable to defend himself due to his blindness, fell backward. He hit his head on the pavement with such force that a witness, who was six stories above the scene, heard the impact from a significant distance. The witness remarked that Bird appeared especially vulnerable as he fell.
Bird was rushed to the hospital following the attack, but despite efforts to save him, he passed away five days later from his injuries. Hicks was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, and his bail was set at $1 million. Prosecutors have stated that Hicks had no lights on his vehicle at the time of the incident, which further contributed to the dangerous situation. The fact that Bird, who was legally blind due to macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease, was unable to brace himself for the fall made the attack even more tragic.
Bird had been a passionate advocate for pedestrian safety with the organization Downtown on the Go since 2016. His work focused on raising awareness about pedestrian rights and safety measures, particularly for those with disabilities. He was known for his selflessness and dedication to helping others, always striving to make the world a safer place for pedestrians. His friends and colleagues described him as a kind and generous person, someone who was always willing to help others in need. Bird had often expressed his fear of being struck by a vehicle, a fear that tragically came true.
The attack has shocked the local community, especially given the vulnerability of the victim and the senseless nature of the violence. Bird’s death has highlighted the dangers that pedestrians face, particularly those with visual impairments, and has brought attention to the risks of road rage incidents. Hicks’s actions have left a lasting impact on those who knew Bird and those who continue to advocate for pedestrian safety in the wake of this tragedy. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked aggression on the roads and the importance of protecting vulnerable pedestrians.
