PEORIA, ILLINOIS: A 100-year-old woman was killed in a tragic hit-and-run incident while trying to cross the street in Peoria, Illinois on Friday morning.
Shirley Meagher was extremely beloved in the community for her charity work; she used to collect money and donate to charitable organizations, as per WEEK.
Who was Shirley Meagher?
Shirley Meagher, aged 100, was a resident of Buehler Home, located off Sheridan Rd. She was tragically struck by a vehicle on Friday morning, resulting in her passing.
According to her friends, she had a deep passion for assisting those in need, and she would frequently gather loose change to donate to organizations, including St Jude Children’s Hospital.
Meagher would venture out every morning, regardless of whether the weather was sunny or rainy, to collect donations from popular food establishments such as Steak 'n Shake and Burger King.
The Peoria County Coroner, Jamie Harwood, stated that she believed Meagher was out doing the same work on that fateful morning as well, as reported by ABC affiliate KOTA TV.
Harwood said, “This morning was no different. She was on the same track with her same behavior, but unfortunately, she was struck by a vehicle on her way back home.” Harwood also added that Meagher was not in a marked crosswalk.
Authorities reported that the crash occurred around 7:45 am. Remarkably, the driver remained at the accident scene and did not flee.
The police also stated that the driver involved in the case fully cooperated with their investigation. The driver is not suspected of impairment by the authorities.
Although there was rain in the area on Friday, the authorities have expressed uncertainty regarding why the driver was unable to see Meagher while she was crossing the road.
Meagher was known for her selfless charitable work which she had been doing for the last 12 years. She was a beloved member of the Buehler Home, a senior care facility.
Harwood mourned her death saying, “It’s a tragic end for someone who really worked hard for other people, and I think that’s the beauty of it, to die doing something for others.”
What are Shirley Meagher’s friends saying about her passing?
Another resident of the community, Nancy Wittry was Meagher's best friend. Mourning her death, Wittry said, “She will be missed,” before adding, “She was good friends with lots and lots of people, but we sort of adopted each other.”
Wittry was not only Meagher’s best friend but also helped her by working as Meagher’s public relations agent. She said, “I was her public relations agent when I found out how active she was.”
The other residents of the Buehler Home, who also were her friends, said they are all inspired by Meagher’s good work and will keep the donation bowls around the property so that they can continue raising money for charity and keep her legacy alive.
Wittry was found saying, “It’s sad for the rest of us but wonderful for her to end like this. I know she’s smiling down on us now.”
