The family of a pregnant Dallas woman who was killed in a crash involving an off-duty police officer is demanding answers after the January 6th incident left her dead and her baby fighting for life. According to NBC DFW, 19-year-old Aquazia "Qua" Kennedy was a passenger in a stalled Chevrolet Malibu on Interstate 30 when it was struck from behind by a Jeep Wrangler driven by the unnamed officer.
Tragically, while Kennedy lost her life in the collision, doctors succeeded in saving her child, Sky'Lynn, who was delivered prematurely at 33 weeks. The baby girl sustained a broken leg and potentially a head injury. "She jumped up with her feet in the seat and hovered over her baby and then she grabbed her brother's arm and was looking right at him and that's when it crashed into her and took her life," Aquazia's father, Quincy Kennedy, lamented to NBC DFW. The family asserts emergency lights were flashing at the time of impact, but this detail has not been confirmed by authorities.
The Dallas County Sheriff's Department, leading the investigation, has not disclosed much information, citing the absence of alcohol or drug involvement but remaining tight-lipped beyond that. Daryl Washington, the attorney representing the Kennedy family concern regarding the lack of communication from investigators: "When you are not transparent, when you are not having an open communication that leads families to have to speculate that, 'Here we go again.' 'Was my child not important?' 'Is the officer more important than my child that you feel now you have to protect them?'"per NBC DFW.
Further fanning the flames of the family's distress, after the crash, the officer was noted didn't rush over to help and eventually left the scene. Despite this, the officer's identity remains undisclosed, and it's unconfirmed whether they have returned to duty. According to NBC DFW, no charges have been pressed, which has left the family with more questions than answers. "If he's been placed back on duty then that's extremely problematic to think that the city of Dallas is placing somebody back on duty who's just been involved in a major fatality where the investigation has not been completed," stated Washington.
Separately, a witness to the aftermath, Lavada Hunter, claimed to have seen the hazard lights and offered help immediately after the accident. "I saw the hazard lights from far off," Hunter said. A GoFundMe has been set up by the family to cover hospital bills, baby Sky'Lynn's needs, and a scholarship fund in her name. Funeral services for Aquazia Kennedy were scheduled for January 20 at the Rose Hill Church of God in Christ in Terrell, Texas, as per WFAA.
