Family of 13-year-old killed on Dixie Highway still searching for answers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Ten days after a crash on Dixie Highway killed a 13-year-old girl and seriously injured two others, the family of the victim is still searching for answers.

Muna Sheikh, her sister Aziza Sheikh and their cousin Halima Jeenedi were known by loved ones as the "three musketeers."

The three girls, all part of Louisville's Somali community, were spending a hot Saturday afternoon at Shively Park. Family members said they crossed Dixie Highway and bought drinks from a gas station across the street before tragedy struck.

"It just happened out of nowhere," said Terrell Simmons, who witnessed the crash.

According to the Shively Police Department, officers responded around 4:30 p.m. June 13 to the 3900 block of Dixie Highway, near Park Road and Leroy Avenue, after a vehicle struck the three girls.

Police said Tuesday the vehicle was driven by a woman in her mid-80s. The woman's name has not been released.

Muna died at the scene. Aziza and Halima were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Loved ones remembered Muna as joyful, always smiling and full of dreams.

"Seeing my little sisters like that was so traumatizing," said Safiya Sheikh, sister of Muna and Aziza. "Her laying on the floor on a hot day."

Muna and Aziza's family returned to the crash site Tuesday afternoon alongside councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright and other community leaders to speak publicly about the crash.

They are demanding more information about what led to the collision, whether criminal charges will be filed and what safety improvements can be made along Dixie Highway.

According to Louisville crash data, Dixie Highway is one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the area.

"She was the best person ever," said Zahara Mohamed, niece of Muna and Aziza. "Like that was really my auntie. I don't know why they really had to take her life."

The family was joined by Amina Shale, who runs the More Than a Smile Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports immigrant families. Shale has helped translate for Muna and Aziza's mother and advocated for the family.

In a statement Tuesday, Shively Police said they have "remained in contact" with the victim's family. However, Muna and Aziza's mother said police have not contacted them directly.

"She did indicate she has not met in person or seen anyone from the police department," Shale said.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing but have not said what caused the crash.

"While no charging decision has been made at this stage, the possibility of criminal charges has not been ruled out," the statement said.

Halima and Aziza have since been released from the hospital, but loved ones said both still face a long recovery.

A GoFundMe created by the More Than a Smile Foundation has been set up to help support the Sheikh family and Jeenedi family with medical and recovery-related expenses.

"Muna's name should not be in vain," Shale said. "She deserves to be remembered and get the answers of what happened."