MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Four young women and one juvenile lost their lives after a speeding SUV crashed into their car. The victims have reportedly been identified as Sahra Gesaade, 20, Salma Abdikadir, 20, Sagal Hersi, 19, Siham Adam, 19, and Sabiriin Ali, 17, who died Friday night, June 16, after leaving a Minneapolis mall.
The five left Karmel Mall around 10 pm after applying heena for their friend's wedding when an SUV jumped a red light before fatally hitting their car, the Daily Mail reported. It has been said that at the time of the accident, the SUV was being chased by a state trooper as it was driving at approx 100 mph despite the speed limit set at 55 mph in south Minneapolis.
The women's deaths have left their community devastated. Khalid Omar, director of Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomington, where the five used to go as attendees, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "These are pearls of our community. They leave a big void. All five of them had bright futures," before adding, "They weren't doing anything wrong. They were just getting ready for their friend's wedding."
Who is Derrick John Thompson?
Though police have not yet released the identity of the SUV driver responsible for the deadly crash, Minneapolis Star-Tribune citing two sources has identified him as Derrick John Thompson. The publication also stated that his father is former DFL State Representative John Thompson. As per reports, he was not caught immediately after the accident but was arrested after being seen at a Taco Bell.
The 27-year-old accused also suffered some injuries and is currently admitted to a hospital. Omar said, "I hope they try everything they can to bring justice to this family and this community. I talked to the chief and said, 'Something has to be done. We gotta make sure we're enforcing the traffic laws.'"
However, this was reportedly not the first time when Derrick was involved in a car crash. He was responsible for a September 2018 accident, which left a pedestrian severely injured in Montecito, according to MN CRIME. He pled guilty in that incident and was awarded eight years behind bars in state prison in 2020.
But it is not confirmed yet if he was on bail during the current crash. At the time, a statement from the DA’s Office said, "The victim, a tourist, was staying at a nearby house with several friends when she was struck by the defendant’s vehicle. The defendant immediately fled the scene, while the victim fought for her life in a coma for several weeks."
Fundraiser started for victims' families
Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been started to support victims' families. The message on the campaign read, "We find ourselves in deep sorrow today, for our community experienced a heartbreaking tragedy last night. We have lost five of our bright, young sisters in a severe car accident. May Allah grant mercy upon the departed and open the doors of Jannah for them."
"We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. These young Muslim sisters were shining stars of hope for our future. Unfortunately, their lives were cut short last night by a driver evading the police. We earnestly implore Allah to bestow His mercy upon them, to show them His boundless generosity as they return to Him, and to grant them the highest place in Firdaws. May He lend strength and patience to their grieving families in these trying times. Ameen," it added.
