Please attend a Memorial Walk in honor of Rebecca Scollard, who was killed crossing James Street on Thursday, July 31. The driver of a garbage truck struck her and dragged her to her death. Seattle Neighborhood Greenways has committed to organizing memorials whenever a person is killed walking or biking in Seattle, followed by a community debrief with City representatives who have the power to make our streets safer and prevent future deaths. Seattle Director of Transportation Scott Kubly and several others from the City have confirmed they will attend.

The Memorial Walk for Rebecca Scollard will begin at 9:30 am on Wednesday, August 13 with a gathering in front of St. James Cathedral on 9th Avenue. We will carry signs and walk quietly to the site of Rebecca’s death at 9th and James, where we will hear a few words from people who knew and cared for Rebecca. Singer/songwriter Jim Page will offer a song or two. We welcome City representatives and neighborhood residents to say a few words.

After the Memorial Walk, we will move to a nearby location to debrief and discuss ways that safety for people who walk, bike and use transit can be improved along James Street (unfortunately the venue we had scheduled has withdrawn and we are looking for another nearby site). We want to focus on the needs of the vulnerable people who live and obtain services in this neighborhood – older adults; homeless people; people with chronic mental illness and/or substance abuse; people recovering from traumatic injuries or living with chronic disease.

We have planned this event in coordination with Seattle Women in Black, who hold a midday vigil in recognition of homeless people who die in Seattle. Their vigil will be held from noon to 1 in front of the Seattle Justice Center at 5th and Cherry, honoring eight homeless people, including Rebecca, who have died in the last month.