Five young women, including teenagers, from Minnesota died in a car crash while preparing for the wedding of a friend.
The fatal incident occurred on Friday, June 15, when a speeding SUV collided with their vehicle, instantly claiming the lives of all five.
The victims have been identified as Sabiriin Ali, 17, Sagal Hersi, 19, Siham Adam, 19, Sahra Gesaade, 20, and Salma Abdikadir, 20. Reports indicate that the group had been shopping at the mall and getting henna applied in anticipation of their friend’s wedding on Saturday.
Community leaders, including Khalid Omar from the Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center which the victims attended, stressed that the young women were preparing for the upcoming celebration and their loss is an immense tragedy.
Three of the victims were cousins and one was an extended relative. One had recently graduated from high school, and the remaining four were college students, all residents of Minnesota.
Authorities reported that the SUV driver was traveling at a speed exceeding 40 mph over the posted limit of 55 mph on the highway. After exiting the highway, the driver ran a red light before a state trooper could pull him over and collided with the victims’ car. The impact was so severe that it propelled their vehicle about 50 feet, according to Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman.
The 27-year-old driver, identified as Derrick John Thompson, sustained injuries but attempted to flee the scene on foot before being apprehended. Thompson, whose father is former state representative John Thompson, had his license reinstated in March 2023 following multiple convictions for driving with a revoked or suspended license.
An online fundraiser has been organized, raising over $300,000 to support the victims’ families during this difficult time.
