Pedestrian killed by bus in downtown L.A.

A downtown DASH bus operated by the city of Los Angeles hit and killed a pedestrian Wednesday morning, according to Det. Josephine Mapson of the Los Angeles Police Department. The accident received little media attention although it happened in the heart the city.

Few details are known at this time, according to police, who are still investigating. The accident occurred at the intersection of 5th and Flower streets at 6:35 a.m. The bus apparently was making a left turn from westbound 5th to southbound Flower when it hit the victim, who was in a crosswalk.

The victim was identified as 58-year-old Gwendolyn Coleman of Burbank.

(correction: an earlier version of this post misidentified the victim as Gwendolyn Cole).

UPDATE, 2:45 p.m.: The driver of the bus has been placed on suspension until an investigation of the incident is complete, said Nicole Jones, a spokesperson for First Transit, the Cincinnati-based firm that operates DASH buses under contract to the city of Los Angeles. Jones said such suspensions are the protocol when an accident occurs and that if the driver is found at fault, that could be grounds for his or her dismissal.

--Steve Hymon

Comments

[Jim Stone]

The victim was Gwen Coleman of Burbank, single mother of 3 grown children (Kim, Kelley, and Scott) and grandmother of 8-yr old Madison. A wonderful Christian woman who was on her way to work when struck.

[Natalie Shackles]

Mr. Hymon, the pedestrian killed by a DASH bus yesterday morning was Gwen Coleman. She was real. She was a friend, a co-worker, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a grandmother and a child of God. Yesterday morning Gwen got up like she did everyday to go to work, to serve her employer in order to serve her family but her life ended tragically at the "hand" of an apparently over-aggressive DASH bus driver. We miss her.

The DASH routes are in place to provide an inexpensive quick service to downtown LA residents and employees of dowtown businesses. They should not be so driven to keep up with their hectic schedules that they do not excercise caution and discretion when manipulating the buses, particularly with pedestrians in crosswalks.

Perhaps Gwen's death will be used as a catalyst, a spark, a seed planted whatever for the City of Los Angeles to take a real close look at the DASH bus system. Quick cheap service is one thing but's Gwen's life was priceless.

[J]

Why do you assume the bus driver was at fault. Perhaps the pedestrian was crossing against the signal?

[Stefani]

She will be missed, please keep her family in your prayers.

[Ms.]

It is certainly a tragic ending to someone's life, but I'm sure the driver of the Dash bus did not purposely set out to kill anyone that morning and I'm certain the driver is probably dealing with this tragedy a lot deeper than anyone. Like Gwen, the driver of the Dash bus got up, got dressed and came to work -- totally expecting a typical and normal day. Perhaps those that ride the Dash to get to work will stop bitching and complaining if the driver is running a few minutes. Better late than never. I didn't know the victim, but my heart goes out to her family.

[cathy walker]

I just like Gwendolyn cross this intersection every morning to go to work... this is a tragedy that could happen to anybody.

[Vivi]

As a Traffic Violator Instructor every class meeting I receive the same skeptical looks from students when I mentioned that YES! pedestrians have the right of way, and NO! as pedestrians we do not have the right to just cross the street whenever we want to do it. Every single person becomes a pedestrian at any given time in the day; therefore, we need to know our duties and responsibilities as such.

You can find all this information by simple going to the DVM website and search the Vehicle Code:

CVC 21950. (a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

(c) The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.

(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

Amended Sec. 8, Ch. 833, Stats. 2000. Effective January 1, 2001.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd11c5.htm

[Stefani]

Well, I think her family is taking this "deeper" than the bus driver. And the fact is that a lot of bus drivers in this area are very irresponsable and dangerous drivers who don't follow traffic rules like everyone else does.

We will find out whom was at fault; if it was reckless driving by the bus driver I hope the victims family takes DASH for all they are worth.

[rc]

I think the person having the hardest time dealing with this tradgedy is not the bus driver but the 8 year old granddaughter that woke up to Gwen every morning!
It is a horrible tradgedy that will be sorted out by the police, insurance and attorneys.
Nobody wins in this situation!! Nobody- not the family she left behind, not the bus driver that has to live with this everyday, nobody!

[Barbara]

Gwen was missed at Awanas last night, and will be missed at our Bible Study tonight, but she is with her Lord. I am praying for her family.

[AC]

I too cross this street many times a day and have almost been hit many times. You can never be too careful whether you be a pedestrian or a driver. This is so tragic for everyone. May the Peace of God be with Ms. Coleman's family as well as the bus driver.

[Paul Y.]

I've often felt that DASH drivers in particular are way too aggressive on the road. The craziest turns and lane changes I've seen while driving around downtown are consistently performed by metro's DASH buses. This is just based on overall observation over the last 3 years. I don't have specific incidences but there's been more than one time I've thought they should drive a little more carefully.

I hope LADOT takes notice and tells its drivers to SLOW DOWN. Perhaps this tragedy could've been avoided altogether.

[e]

Have you been on the DASH J? Some drivers are careless and wreck less. I work across the street where the accident occurred and later that evening as I crossed the street I saw a DASH driver talking on the phone...TALKING ON THE PHONE! I wish I had a camera because I would have sent that photo to DASH personnel. Even if Gwen was walking the crosswalk when she should not have, how is it that the bus driver couldn't see her while he/she was turning left (Driver side)? I would say, he/she must have been going pretty fast. No matter, this is tragic on both ends.

Just because the name says DASH doesn't mean you have to scurry across the street. DASH (Driver Accused of Smashing Him/Her)

[frmrmessenger]

I have almost been killed by Metro bus drivers several times trying to ride a bike in the downtown area. The Metro drivers could care less about rules of the road and regularly just drive into active lanes of traffic with no signal like they own the road with so much as a glance. The Metro organization is an embarrasment to the city and this accident is proof.

[Marvin]

I work in this area, and I've seen both pedestrians and bus drivers being a bit reckless. So often, pedestrians are directed to wait at crosswalks by traffic signs when there's no traffic around at all - they get impatient and cross against the light anyway. And busses in the area merge in and out of traffic with almost zero regard for any cars in their way - as if they're bigger so you've got to get out of their way and that's that, they can just barge into a lane whenever they please. No doubt the drivers are under pressure to keep their schedules. And for those saying the busses are going to fast - how many times have you been behind one in your car with no way to get around it, wishing it would go faster?

In this case, it doesn't sound so cut and dry to me that its the bus driver's fault. It could be, but if (say) she stepped in front of the bus with no time for him to react, then what could he do? On the other hand, if he barreled through the crosswalk at high speed, what could she do? I think we ought to let the investigation run its course before we assign blame. Its a tragedy regardless of what happened.

[Cathy]

The bus driver wasn't careful enough, the pedestrian wasn't careful enough, others write that they almost get run over at the same intersection every day.

WAKE UP! Intersections are dangerous and the planners and engineers that create them are not making them safe. Make the intersections a 4-way stop. Then vehicle drivers can look out for pedestrians instead of mainly looking out for other vehicles. It only takes a few seconds longer for the vehicles. You want the Dash bus to slow down? Make 'em all slow down.

These pedestrian fatalities happen all the time. Stop the hand-wringing and do something positive!

[Elisa]

I didn't know Gwen, but work in the bldg adjacent to the accident and I keep looking out my window saddened by what has happened and thanking God for my blessings. It was a horrible thing that happened and my heart and prayers go to her family. It doesn't matter who was to blame, because in the long run it doesn't matter - she is gone and her family has to live without her. If anything, her death should teach us to enjoy every moment you have with your loved ones because your life can be taken at any moment.

[Doug]

We do not have any data supporting the argument that DASH Bus drivers are any worse than any other bus drivers. We should wait to see what actually happened. I ride the DASH bus regularly. The DASH bus was turning left from 5th onto Flower. Let's wait and see if there are any reports that SLOWING DOWN would have help (as was suggested by one poster here). It is hard to imagine that SPEED was the problem. We'll see.

[Bill S.]

A coworker of mine was also struck and severely injured at this same corner two weeks ago by a messenger on a bicycle. The messenger stopped and asked if he was already and when he said he didn't think so, the messenger fled the scene. My friend ended up with four broken ribs and various cuts and bruises.

This fatal accident two weeks later is tragic.

[George]

I take a DASH bus to and from work every day. A few of the drivers are courteous and safe but more by far are reckless.

I wish I had a dollar for every time I have been thrown by a driver who stomps on the gas and brake pedals and who does not wait before passengers either grab a seat or a handle before speeding off. I once caught an old man who flew back into me after a driver shifted going up a steep hill. If I did not catch this man he would have hit the floor hard. I've had drivers pass right by me as I stand, arm extended at the bus stop. I've seen drivers whip around corners and ride up on the curb. I've even caught drivers talking on hands free cell phones while driving (maybe the reason they pass right by people at bus stops?)

I'm not sure what was going on with this particular driver but I am willing to bet that he/she was at fault.

[Barbara McDonald]

I am responding to the person (J) who wrote this message: Why do you assume the bus driver was at fault. Perhaps the pedestrian was crossing against the signal?

I have been thinking of how to respond and I will make it very simple. The bus driver hit my friend while she walking across the street in the crosswalk. To post a comment that would suggest the bus driver was somehow justified in his/her action that resulted in her death is incomprehensible.

Gwen will be missed and my thoughts are with her family.

[Zach]

Why are we surprised that things like this happen when the city is putting more and more vehicles on the streets of a city getting more and more crowded? More people in crosswalks, more traffic leading to more reckless bus drivers, the best they can do is add more buses and widen freeways?! We need solutions that go above or below our already crowded streets, not the same old inefficient solutions year after year. Give us a transit system WORTH leaving our cars for, not just something designed for people who don't have them!

[Barbara]

If you walked there every morning like I do, you would know that there is NO WAY this poor woman would have been killed at the time of the accident if the bus had been going at a normal speed. He must nave been flying down the street and made an hasty turn. I see it all the time. I am traumatized by this accident. Today I hesitated crossing a street even though the walk signal was on: an armored car burned the red light and came barreling through the intersection. I was glad I waited. This sort of things happen all the time downtown.
My thoughts are with her family.

[Farrah]

I agree i walk this intersection everyday, atleast i use to but now i take the bridge because the buses do drive crazy and they dont look out for pedestrians, or cars. They drive like they own the roads but so do the cars out there you really take your chances as a pedestrian crossing that intersection. I choose to not take the chance anymore with that intersection. After seeing what i saw when i got towork yesterday she never saw the bus coming and he made a hard turn left when he struck her because if he were driving slower and if he looked to his left before turning he would have saw her in the middle the crosswalk instead he was more concerned with getting hit by the traffic coming southbound since he was trying to make the light! He was reckless and i hope they penalize him to the fullest!

[Susana]

I worked in L.A. for many years, and rode the DASH between branches, and I agree with the person that made a comment regarding the reckless drivers. I arrived at my stop and as I was descending the DASH through the back doors the driver closed the doors before I had fully stepped out of the bus, fell on my knees, and the driver did not even noticed what had happend. I walked into the branch and informed some of my co-workers what had happened and they were stunned that something like this had just happened. Not only did I end up with scrapped knees but I also had ripped my skirt. When I called LADOT to report the incident all they did was apologized and told me to send them my medical and tailoring bills.

Gwen and I worked for many years together, eventhough I left in 2004 I still maintain contact with many of my friends, and to hear about these today it affected me deeply, this could have been avoided if those drivers would be more careful when they are carrying precious cargo (people), and be more alert of their surroundings, hopefully the driver was not text messaging....!

My thoughts are with the family.

[Karen Perez]

I knew Gwen well. She was a dear, sweet woman who was saved by the grace of God and who was loved by many. The bible says God knows all of our days before any of them are yet to be. Gwen knew this. I cried when I found out. Cried at the horrific accident, cried for her family, cried because we are emotional beings. Nonetheless, God ordained Gwens life, salvation through Christ and yes, even her tragic death. Gwen would have wanted all of you to know that unless you repent and believe you are a sinner and that Christ died for your sins, you will spend eternity apart from Christ and apart from her in heaven. Gwen is in heaven. She worked hard and gave her all to everything for the glory of God. Yes, we all should take more care as to how we drive, but more than that, we need to take care to make sure we know the creator who is in charge of our days, our lives and our deaths! Gwen is alive and well in heaven! 1 cor 5:21. See you when I get there!

[Chas]

I work right at this intersection and have on multiple occasions almost been hit by bus drivers making that left when they should be waiting for the intersection to clear of pedestrians --- they are on their private phones too much, and some of them aren't even doing it hands free. I've personally witnessed a driver arguing with her other half while she was supposed to be paying attention to the road while driving. It is truly ridiculous what some of them do and a large majority of them are extremely rude and have no sense of road courtesy. Something definitely needs to be done irrespective of whose fault this accident was.

[DR]

I am horrified by what happened to Gwen.

Having been hit by a bus several years ago while riding my bike (probably the only thing that kept me alive) because a bus driver "gunned" the red stoplight and was on top of me - I give the benefit of the doubt to the pedestrian, Gwen.

Bus drivers in Los Angeles are all too often much too aggressive and the 5th and Flower and 5th and Figueroa corners are dangerous. One wonders why something isn't done about their driving.

[Christine]

J,

You don't know Gwen or her children or the grand daughter she left behind. It certainly is your right to post a comment I just hate to see how ignorant and thought less it's intention... Think before you speak/write, there's a time and place...

She had a wonderful family and a unique bond with her grandaughter. This will be the most difficult for her. I was sorry to hear about this loss yesterday... For those who know the story, this driver was careless and too wrapped up in the hustle of the morning. Shocking is this lesson had to take a life. Even more shocking is how frequent this happens. Searching the web yesterday they were one right after another. Look for yourself- "bus hits pedestrian LA". Why haven't we learned?

My thoughts are with the family...

[Yolanda]

I've worked in downtown Los Angeles for 20 years. Too many times I've witnessed bus drivers as well as individual drivers risk a pedestrians life because they want to catch, beat, etc... the light or are just plain in a hurry to get somewhere. We all are in a hurry but we all don't risk other peoples lives. The bus driver may not have had the intention of hurting someone but if he/she was making a left turn, hit the woman in the crosswalk, and still had 'dragged' her, then that driver was going to fast to begin with! I have been hit by a car while in a crosswalk, by someone making a left turn. Luckly the light had just changed and when I had started crossing, the woman driving had been stopped first so while I was hit, I wasn't hurt. All the woman could say was that she was going to be late! As a matter of fact, the same exact situation happened to me two days ago! I wasn't hit because I noticed driver wasn't paying attention to me!

I commute on the bus everyday. Too many times as I'm walking to my stop, I've watched buses crossing 8th and Flower give a so called "courtesy honk" as they cross the intersection even though the light has turned red for them before they were actually entering that intersection. I always wait before I bother to cross.

No, the driver of that DASH bus may not have had ill intentions but regardless, I have no sympathy for that driver! My heart goes out to that family for now having to be without someone so dear to them for so callus a reason!

Downtown Los Angeles is changing now with more and more people moving into appartments/lofts. Many may be without children now but someday they may have and choose to continue living there. Do we have to hear about kids being hit because a bus driver or car driver was 'in a hurry before people driving will be more cautious'?!?!

[Ben Wolf]

Gwen has been a part of my life for the past ten years. Unfortunately I was never close to any of my extended family, and as such, I can say I have been truly blessed by Gwen, as my "aunt-in-law." In my short 29 years, I have never felt the pain of losing a loved one, until now. However, the pain that I feel at her loss cannot compare to the pain felt by her daughters, her son, her grand-daughter, and her brothers, and other family members. Gwen was the kindest, most compassionate, selfless woman you could imagine, and the world was truly a better place with her in it.

It's hard for me to understand all of this. As a young Christian, I am having trouble understanding that there is good in everything, and that this is all in God's perfect plan. The one thing that keeps going through my head is an old Christian Hymn, "And when the battle's over, we shall wear a crown....."

Thank you for all your kind thoughts and prayers. Please do not forget to pray for the driver of the bus. He is a working man with a family, just like me. This is most certainly an awful thing for him to be dealing with, and I'm sure he and his family would welcome your prayers.

For the record, as it stands right now, the investigation shows that Gwen was in the crosswalk at the appropriate time, and that the driver of the bus did not "clear" the intersection before making his turn. Perhaps some things need to change.

[kelly coleman]

I am the daughter of Gwen Coleman and the mother of her granddaughter Madison. My mom was one the most cautious person I have ever met. She took the bus to work everyday and was extremely careful. The bus driver who was driving should have been more aware of his surroundings. It is not only his fault but also the people who employ him. She was a wonderful mom, grandma, sister, and daughter to her family. She will be greatly missed by her family. You people do not understand what has happened. She is not at fault in this accident. She was an innocent bystander who life was so tragedly taken. I hope this driver and all other DASH drivers read this and hold it close to them when they are driving people to work everyday. For those who have written i appreciate all the love and support from you guys. kelly

[Kelvin Mejia]

Let me reply in a more frank and direct way to J's comment. Sorry Barbara, but I have to.

I worked with Gwen a few years back. Not only was she a pleasant person to work with, but a very cheerful human being. When my days weren't at their best, running into her at her desk and having her greet me with a smile and the usual, "Well, Hello there Kelvin," well it made things better, even if it was for just that moment. I for one, never once saw her rushing and as a matter of fact she once said a very famous line that we all have heard specially right now. In my type of work things are always to be met on a timely manner and I remember running from one place to another at work one day and in a joking manner she said, "It's better to be late than sorry." I said, "I know, I know. See ya later."

I never would have thought that I would have known the person to whom this accident happened to yesterday. I remember telling my co-workers that whoever it was must have been someone's Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, Sister and Friend... and that's what she was to me. A Friend....

So you see J... I hope that the J stands for something other than Jerk. How can your mind be so feeble to even process an opinion like the one you just just did? It's because of people like you that the world is full of ignorance and stupidity. So if I offended you "J" than maybe you needed to be offended and one more thing **** you.

We will miss you very much Gwen.

[Natalie]

Thank you Karen. We shared a great Christian lady's friendship. I too know that Gwen is with the Lord in heaven and in my comment, I in no way meant to question God's hand in calling his servant home. My prayers are with her family and all whose lives have been touched by her death.

[K]

I work across the street from where this accident occurred and was absolutely horrified when I heard about it. I did not know Gwen but offer my sincere condolences to her family for their loss. I , like others who have posted comments, work in downtown and also cross this intersection on an almost daily basis. Can someone post where she worked at?

[S]

J---

"The pedestrian", you know what, let's use her first name, we owe he deceased just a small amount of respect do you thinks? Gwen WAS NOT crossing the intersection at the "wrong time". She was crossing the crosswalk when she was supposed to be and the bus driver made an unsafe left hand turn.

Please do not leave comments until you have the full details.... you clearly do not.

[v]

Gwen was crossing the street, on her way to work. The sign for her to cross was on, she was doing what she had normally done on her way to work, and all of a sudden a bus making a left hand turn didn't pay attention for some reason, hit her and drug her body down the street.

What happened was more tragic than most people understand. This has greatly effected more lives than any of you will ever know. I don't care what time it was, how dark it was, what you were doing IT IS NEVER OKAY TO NOT PAY ATTENTION WHILE DRIVING A VEHICLE, especially a giant bus. I know that the bus driver and his family will suffer from what has happened, but at least they didn't lose anyone. At least he/she can go home after all of this and hug his family. Gwen will NEVER be able to do that again. She has touched a lot of lives, and was a wonderful mother of 3 and a great friend. I know there is two sides to every story, and to give people the benefit of the doubt, but to everyone that had said something about the bus drivers side...you obviously have never lost someone very close. There is nothing in this world that can bring her back. As for the bus driver he/she may spend some time in jail, and may turn to God or whatever they can to forgive them for what they've done and take this burden off their shoulders.

Everyone who has posted about almost getting hit, or was hit or hurt by the bus, you NEED to report these things. You let things like that slide, bigger things like people getting actually ran over happens. You need to make the city aware that the buses are causing problems, and trust me they will do something about it. Things like this should NEVER happen.

[GAP]

I work at 5th and Flower and saw the aftermath of this terrible accident. I am also very familar with this intersection as I make a turn left from 5th Street to Flower almost every day. When turning left on a green light, the pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk to the left also have a green lilght. Left turning vehicles must always wait for the crosswalk to clear before making the turn. You could clearly see where this poor lady was drug some 30 feet from the middle of the crosswalk with the bus continuing some 10-20 feet further down the street. A bus could not be going very fast to make a sharp left turn like this and there were no skid marks. God knows what this bus driver was doing, but he or she was simply was not looking out for pedestrians in the crosswalk and evidently had no idea a pedestrian had been struck. I cannot understand how a left turning bus can continue down the street some 40 - 50 feet after hitting a pedestrian in the crosswalk unless the driver was being totally inattentive. For the person wondering if the pedestrian was crossing the street on a red light, this is very unlikely. If this were true, the bus would have been making a left turn on a red light as well.

[Bill]

J is certainly correct. We do not have the facts yet. We will soon enough.

Just because the pedestrian is your friend, does not automatically mean that the bus driver was speeding and talking an the cell phone and honking his horn. It is certainly possible that the driver was at fault. My guess would be that the driver will eventually be shown to be at fault. (BUT THAT IS A GUESS). Right now we do not have the facts. There has been no report, and none of the posters on this website actually witnessed all of the events. Many of the posters here would make great lynch mob leaders. They didn't see it, they have no facts, there has been no due process, but they just like their friend and hate bus drivers so "string him up."

Some bus drivers sometimes drive aggressively, therefore this bus driver must have been driving aggressively this time.

Some bus drivers sometimes go to fast, therefore this bus driver was going too fast this time.

Some bus drivers sometimes talk on the phone, therefore this bus driver was talking on the phone.

No pedestrians ever walk against the light, therefore this person did not walk against the light.

No pedestrians ever dart into the crosswalk, therefore this pedestrians did not do this.

This person was a good person, therefore she COULD NOT have been wrong no matter what even if I did not see it and I do not know anything about it.

This person was a good Christian woman, therefore the bus drivre was the son of Satan who was inattentive and driving like a maniac..

Come on people. Grieve for the pedestrian. But wait for the facts. The bus driver might be a good Christian man.

It is possible for a pedestrian to enter the crosswalk late. If you know this intersection you know it happens all the time. It is possible the view was obstructed by a produce truck for the farmers market. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE "LIKELY," it only has to be "POSSIBLE." If it is at all possible, then you have to wait for the report before you lynch.

I suspect that the investigation will find that the driver was at fault. Still, I choose not to join your lynch mob.

For the person who observed that if the pedestrian was walking against the red light, the bus must have been turning against the red also, this is simply not true. The RED light for pedestrians happens LONG before the RED light for the bus.

For the person who thinks that pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way in a crosswalk, please explain what the "WALK" and DON'T WALK" signals are for. If the pedestrian ALWAYS has the right of way, we could get rid of these signals.

Grieve for the pedestrian, wait for the facts, pray for everyone (including the driver).

One person has posted that the crosswalk sign was on in favor of Gwen. If they personally witnessed this, I urge them to contact the police immediately. If they did not witness it, perhaps they should not report it as fact just yet.

[SC]

My Mother worked at The Manufacturers Bank on 5th and Figueroa on the 5th floor.

Thank you everyone for all of your kind words and prayers. This is a very hard time for us all. Her memorial service will be at Calvary Bible Church in Burbank and Saturday the 10th at 2pm.

[Elaine in Christ]

Gwen is standing at the Throne of Jesus Christ.

It is a very difficult time for her family who is experiencing this loss. I pray for all of them for their loss in the name of Jesus. I did not know this woman but I have prayed for her salvation and for her family who are grieving at this very moment. I have also cried for her and for her loved ones.

We don't know why things happen the way they do but as a Christian one thing to remember is because Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins we have the confidence to know that we will see our loved ones someday. We will miss them and grieve like anyone else. It is devastating to lose someone you love in a tragedy but we can still be confident that we will see them someday.

My son recently (12/15/08) lost his girlfriend (fiance) who was 25 years old. She died of a brain aneurysm. The doctors did everything they possiby could to try to save her life but God took her. I am still grieving with my son even though I never had a chance to meet her. They live in Kansas. I have met Bri in spirit and that is a reality not just faith.

May the name of Jesus Christ who died for our sins and arose in great glory comfort Gwen Coleman's family. I ask this in the awesome name of Jesus.

May he also comfort the B Dash bus driver who has to live with knowing he/she, not intentionally (no matter what the circumstance) took the life of a beloved woman in Christ. I ask this in the awesome name of Jesus.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have Life Everlasting.

[Mimi]

I didn't know Gwen, but work in the bldg adjacent to the accident as well. When I arrived at that very same corner after the time of the accident I was horrified and heart broken of what happened. Since then I can not stop thinking of her and I have been very sick to my stomach due to the fact that a human being was killed by stupidity and these bus drivers that are not carful when they drive. I also have been missed getting hit on that very same corner that Gwen was killed. These are just not buses not paying attention but car drivers, SUV's and also bicyclists too...I had one lady in her car actually pull over and started yelling at me for crossing when my light was green and I was good to cross the street. People just do not know how to drive but they have road rage and this is not good. My heart goes out to Gwens family, friends, and co-workers for their lost. I take an extra breath when I cross that very same corner for Gwen ever since the accident and I am extra careful where ever and when ever I cross the street.

[Cathy]

The intersection is dangerous as many are in Los Angeles, there is little enforcement of the laws, and there is always someone in a hurry or not paying attention.
We need safer intersections. One way to make them safer is to have diagonal crosswalks and lights that stop all the traffic in all directions when pedestrians are crossing. You can have a "smart" light that only stops all the traffic when pedestrians are present. This prevents left and right turn "accidents" made by drivers looking out for speeding traffic and not for pedestrians or bicylists.
We need to demand that the city make the intersections safer and maybe sue the city for the unsafe intersections and tragedies like this.
I always carry my sports videocam, too, which can record what really happened if you want to know who was at fault. At least my heirs might get compensation, but wouldn't we rather prevent tragedy than just punish someone for it?

In the memory of Gwen, wouldn't you like to prevent further tragedies?

[Downtown Pedestrian]

Thank you, Bill, for one of the more reasoned posts on this article. I, too, have witnessed both responsible and irresponsible drivers as well as pedestrians downtown, but I'll be waiting for the official findings before passing judgment.

That said, we should keep in our thoughts and prayers both parties in this accident, and not forget the many other vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents that occur in our city each day. Each of these accidents has a victim.

FYI, 5th and Flower is an intersection of two one-way streets. A left on red is not necessarily illegal here (but the driver must come to a complete stop first, and may only turn into the closest lane, I believe).

[Pandora]

Yesterday a few strangers gathered at the memorial set up by a tree for Ms. Coleman. These strangers were coworkers from across the street and other people who work downtown and heard about this tragic loss of life. There were beautiful dedications, floral arrangements and candles left by people who never had the pleasure of knowing this lovely woman, but still felt she deserved a tribute. As we try to make sense of this tragedy, let's try to honor the memory of a beautiful soul. My love and prayers go out to all who knew her, even though I never knew her or those most impacted by her passing. May the love and living testament of Ms. Coleman's faith and life remind us all of what is truly important.

[M]

Dearest Gwen
I did not know you but I know that you are in a better place than us here. I did not see what happen to you but I did see the after math and ever since that I have shedded tears for you. I am terribly sorry for what happen to you. I have been sick since that day and I have not stopped thinking of you and your family. You are forever in my heart....

[sandy]

I didn't know Gwen but have thought about her and her family since I heard about this horrible accident! I will pray for her family and co-workers who have such beautiful memories about this amazing Christian woman! What a void in their lives. I will remember that our time here is short and that we never know when we will be called home. We must appreciate each day we are on this earth and make the most of every day with our loved ones and friends. I believe there are guardian angels all around us and that she will be with many of the people she loved and knew only differently now.

I ride the Dash and agree with many of the people that some drivers drive way too fast and run through yellow lights when they should stop. Why do they have to drive so fast when there are lights on every corner? I have also seen drivers talking on cell phones and driving like they are on the freeway. Maybe the City should put a telephone number on each bus to report incidents or a camera just like they do on some of the other lines to watch commuters who might be causing problems. From now on, I will certainly report incidents about drivers who are being irresponsible. I think everyone who works downtown should call the City and demand that they report their findings and tell the public how they plan to protect us!!

sandy

I

[Carina]

Dear Gwen and family:
I'm a complete stranger to you but after I recvd a phone call from my sister, who works in the citigroup building, telling me about the tragic and horrifying accident, I was mortified and have not been able to stop thinking about you and your family... I just want to say that my family and I have been praying for you and your family. I stopped by yesterday and saw all the pretty flowers and notes from strangers who have been thinking about you and mourning about your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.

[Sabrina]

I am someone who had the honor of knowing Gwen she was one of the most thougtful and caring people I ever Knew. She was a very compashionate person also. I am the best friend of Kelly and I am feeling the pain of her loss because she was like a mom to me and a grandmother to my son and daughter. I will miss her very much and will think about her always. I will also carry her in my heart. I want to thank all of the people who have sent out their prayers in her membrance.

I also want those of you who think that it was her fault it was not she was in the cross walk when she had the right of way. She would have never crossed the street unless it was safe for her to. I am also a surviver of being stuck by a van as a pedestrian standing on the corner of the street waiting to cross to the other side. So just so you know you can be struck ever if you are not in the crosswalk. I now have a permanent back and shoulder injury which will get worse as I get older. I am someone who has to live with permanent injuries due to being hit by a vehicle no matter what size they are they can all kill you.

Now as for you J she was not at fault in any way so you need to learn to watch what you say or type. Us that have lost Gwen will nver get to see her beautiful face or hear her beautiful voice or even her warm and southing smile. I will miss my second mom very much.

Sabrina

[Samuel Lammot]

Hi Bill-- can you point out the person who said that this particular driver was probably talking on a cell phone? I think I missed that one.

As for your other reasonings, I think these might be more accurate:

MANY bus drivers drive aggressively, therefore there is a good chance this driver was driving aggressively

MANY bus drivers sometimes go too fast, therefore there is a good chance this driver was going too fast at this time.

According to her own daughter, Gwen was a very cautious woman, therefore there is a high probability that Gwen did not cross against the light or dart out into the intersection.

I don't see where religion makes a difference but both the driver and the victim could have been good Christian people, or good Jewish people or good Buddhist people or good Athiests. Good people come in all shapes, colors and faiths.

This is a tragic accident but it is a positive thing that issues with DASH drivers are being aired. Many of us who do take public transportation have witnessed reckless driving and near accidents over and over. It's time for both LADOT and METRO to take a good look and impliment some changes.

[Chris]

I work in one of the buildings adjacent to the intersection where Gwen was hit. I know that the people in my office were all disturbed by the horrific and tragic nature of the incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

In my opinion - and based upon an aerial view of the scene - the bus driver was probably going at least a little faster than normal and was certainly careless when making his or her turn.

I too have nearly been hit by a bus downtown - in fact, exactly one block up the street from where this incident occurred.

I arrived at work almost exactly at the time when Gwen was hit; it must have occurred moments after I walked into my building. It could have happened to anyone.

RIP

[Anonymous]

Thank you, Pandora, for your kind post, reminding us of quiet reverence over anger. My heart goes out to Gwendolyn, especially her brave children who have read and contributed to the post here.
There must be something phenomenally wonderful about your mother, as her spirit's passing touched the hearts of so many people who didn't even know her. And thank you for sharing the memorial information with us. Unfortunately I can not be there, but I will help to keep the flowers watered at her memorial here downtown.

[YW]

Gwen, I will never forget your warm voice, smile, and kindness. Please rest peacefully. You will be missed.

[Konrad]

Sabrina,

How do you know that she was not at fault in any way?

That's what I thought. You don't know. You just hope so.

I hope so too.

Do you feel good about threatening "J" just because he has the audacity to suggest an alternative possibility? When we learn that it was not the fault of the pedestrian, you will say "I told you so." Just keep in mind you did not. Like the poster above said, you just wanted to lynch the driver.

I wonder why no one has written something like "I know the driver and he would NEVER have hit anyone?" "He was like a second father to me." You have never met him. You do not know what happened. But you know it was his fault because you knew her.

[Kathi]

I work close to the intersection where the accident occurred and could not believe there was absolutely NOTHING in any media report concerning the accident. I'd ask my fellow workers in the downtown area to be aware of the Dash bus drivers. I nearly got hit, in my car, by a driver turning left at 3rd Street and he never even stopped. Pedestrians are in danger everyday! BE AWARE!!!!

[casey]

bus drivers in Downtown LA drive CRAZY- coming from somone who drives a compact truck around downtown for a living.

[Kathie O'Keefe]

On December 31, 2008 Gwen sent an email to her friends. It was her wish to us for 2009. It read "After serious & cautious consideration....your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2009 (short version)! I treasured her friendship and will now treasure her memory. We've know each other for 20 years and knowing her was a gift that I will be with me forever. My prayers are with Kim, Kelly, Scot, and Madi. She loved you all so much......................

Sincerely,
Kathie

[Doug]

I did not know this lady but my heart goes out to her family. Yes, she is with our lord. I am sure she will be missed by her family and friends. I walk from Grand and 5th to Flower to my job everyday. This was on a Wednesday. The farmers market occupies the lanes for their trucks and other vendor operations on the east side of 5th street, the side she was crossing on. Although I did not see what happen, after reviewing the scene, I know what happened. She must have been waiting on the corner, when she observed the green light to cross she stepped off and the bus was making the turn and because of the farmers market trucks and all of the vendors the driver did not see her nor did Ms. Coleman see the bus. The buses as usual are always in a hurry, and was rushing to make the turn. The driver had a duty of care since his/her vision was blocked by the vendors and trucks parked on the side. They need to pay more attention. The excuse that the driver did not do this intentionally is well taken, but they provide a public service and operate large vehicles, they have a duty of care to take caution. God bless her family.

[Linda]

I was saddened on 1-7-09 when I walked past Gwen's memorial. Her coworkers had written a "lovely lady was killed here today" on a sign on the tree. To Gwen's famlly my thoughts and prayers are with you!
I can add that I was knocked down in the street recently by a car speeding onto 8th with a left turn on a red light from Figueroa. We all need to band together to get more Police Officers out there at these dangerous Downtown LA crosswalks to enforce the law. Every time a car pulls into the cross walk on a left turn on red anyone in the crosswalk is put into a dangerous position. I've been working Downtown for 31 years straight and its definitely becoming more dangerous and drivers are becoming more aggressive trying to beat the pedestrians as they walk in the street. They shoot around us and try to make wider turns so they can go FIRST.
Again to Gwen's friends and family may the peace of God surround and comfort you.

[Laura]

"if the driver is found at fault, that could be grounds for his or her dismissal."

COULD be grounds for dismissal? What do these drivers have to do to get fired in this town? If he/she is found at fault and allowed to keep driving a bus, I'll start working from home.

[Anonymous]

Something needs to be done about reckless drivers. There should be an organized effort to make this city safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Writing the mayor is a good start. You can also take this to the next Metro Board Meeting, January 22 at 9:30am. They are every third Thursday of the month.

[No Joke]

Bus driver at fault here, seen security cameras from building. He ran thru intersection and dragged her body down the road. She didn't have a chance... DASH should loose their license.. Vehicular Manslaughter.

[Rebecca]

I work across the street from where the accident happened and it was horrifying seeing the aftermath and saddening to hear that she left 2 children and a grandbaby behind. I received the following email at work today and I thought I would pass it along to anyone interested in helping out this family:

Sent: Friday, January 09, 2009 1:40 PM
Subject: FW: Bus Accident Victim on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 - Gwen Coleman

Please forward to your employees.

We have received several inquiries requesting information about the bus accident victim, Gwendolyn Coleman.

Gwendolyn Coleman was 58 years old and a mother of three (3) adult children and had one (1) grandchild. Gwendolyn worked for Manufacturers Bank for 20 years. Manufacturers Banks has established a fund that will be provided to the family sometime next week.

If you or your company would like to make a contribution, please send a check made out to Manufacturer’s Bank with Gwendolyn Coleman's name on the note line. Please send the check to the Human Resource Department located on the second floor at the Manulife building located at the following address:

Manufacturers Bank
515 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone 213-489-6438
Fax 213-489-6238

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers they prefer donations be made to:

Calvary Bible Church Children's Ministry in honor of Gwendolyn Coleman
Calvary Bible Church
1101 S. Main Street
Burbank, CA 91506
818-556-4840

[Ben Wolf]

Bill,
Have you sat down with the investigator and talked about the details of the accident? No, you haven't. Your assumptions and accusations or baseless, ignorant, and frankly asinine. Gwen was in the crosswalk with a green light. The driver made a left turn without ensuring there were no pedestrians. End of story.
So until you have sat down and gone over the facts of the accident like my family and I have with the investigator, please keep your useless opinions to yourself.

[C M]

We all can take a lesson from this regarding driving and walking. Not that I don't try to be careful already, but I will take Gwen's words of wisdom "better to be safe than sorry". But remember, accidents do happen, and like it or not, we are all mortal beings due to the curse of sin. Death always seems senseless, and it is. God never created us to die. Romans 6:23 - "But the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." This story has a good ending because Gwen is now with her Lord and couldn't be happier. If you would like a happy ending to your life, regardless of the way it happens, give it to Jesus. In the meantime, Gwen's sweetness will be missed. Her family and the driver are in my prayers.

[LJ]

A Pedestrian ALWAYS has the right of way NO MATTER WHAT -- even if they are not walking in a crosswalk. It's the DASH Bus Driver's fault.
I work downtown and at 6:35am there is not much going on and not many people out and about yet. The Driver should have been more aware and not trying to hurry when basically the roads are empty at that time and they have the streets to themselves already anyway. I can't imagine that the bus was running late when there is not traffic around that early.
It's very unfortunate. My Heart goes out to the family of Gwendolyn. God Bless. May God forgive the Bus Driver and that the driver does the right thing for their actions in this tragic accident.

[john]

I to knew Gwen as the loving, kind, caring, compassionate, fiercly procteive mother of our childern and grandma to my granddaughter. Gwen was the "Rock of Gibraltor" of our family and during the years I could not be in my familes life full time she was the brick and mortar that held the family together.
In time the rest of the story will be told. She is know resting with the first of her life our "LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. May everybody that knew her and loved her the way I did strive to be the "Salt and Light she was to the dying and lost souls of this world. It truly will be a day of rejoicing to all that knew her and knew the Lord as there personal Savior when we go home to join her forever in eternity. I pray with all my heart and soul that everyone that reads this will come to know the God she knew and served so faithfully. Philippans 1:21-24. It truly will be a day of rejocing when I once again join her in Heaven.

John

[Kathi]

Now that the LAPD's finding are that Ms. Coleman was legally in the intersection on a green light, what happens to the driver? Only suspension or shouldn't that driver become one of the unemployment statistics?

[Monica]

Bill,

Thanks so much for your thoughtful post. I spent some time reading this whole chain and have been frustrated by all the hatred that has been spewed here. I agree that we should grieve for Gwen, and I believe that she was a wonderful Christian woman. But I also know that one of my biggest fears in life would be to crash into a pedestrian, as the risk is so great.

Even if we are careful, there is no way to 100% eliminate human error in driving. We can be distracted for just a moment and something disastrous can happen. Driving downtown is dangerous, especially in the morning when so many people are rushing to work. I do think this should be investigated and that drivers must keep safety the top priority over being on time. But I also think this was a horrible accident that will haunt the bus driver for the rest of his life, and that most of the posters are being hasty and hateful in condemning the driver. Have each of you never made a mistake while driving? You probably have, and hopefully you have been lucky enough that the consequences have not been so drastic.

Please look into your hearts to forgive this bus driver, especially considering how many of you claim to be good Christians. Please don't spread hate. Remember Gwen and try to keep your thoughts constructive as to how these things can be better prevented in the future.

Finally, I am very sorry about the loss of a wonderful, kind woman and wish the best to Gwen's family.

Monica

[Laura]

KONDRAD...

I TOLD YOU SO.

[Jay Flott]

I cross that intersection every day to get to work from the parking structure and I can tell you that you're constantly putting yourself in danger (when walking on the green light) because there's always some over zealous driver trying to beat the pedestrian traffic to get somewhere faster......I've seen many near accidents....some involving mass transit......If you have ever crossed the intersection of 5th and Flower you know (for a fact) that no pedestrian would attempt to walk early (on the red light). I not saying the driver of that bus acted maliciously but I'm pretty sure he did not exercise caution either. Remember if you hit a pedestrian you're at fault and must prove innocence....per the DMV handbook. When you drive a large vessel, like a Dash bus, it's even more important to drive carefully.