Frustrated and grieving residents packed into the West Mifflin Borough Council meeting yesterday, demanding answers about the deadly pedestrian crash that killed 13-year-old Terrel "TJ" Byars Jr. on Dec. 27, 2025. Family members and neighbors told the council they still do not know exactly what happened on Kennywood Boulevard and called for accountability, public records, and concrete safety fixes. The meeting stretched on as parents and activists read prepared statements and urged borough leaders to move past condolences and into action.
Residents pressed officials for a clearer timeline of the investigation and access to records related to the crash, according to CBS News Pittsburgh. One family member asked, "How many people got to die for anybody to wake up on this road?" Others said the borough's response felt slow and incomplete. Several speakers told the council they want traffic safety fixes on Kennywood Boulevard and better, faster communication from police.
The crash that sparked the outcry
Terrel "TJ" Byars Jr., 13, was struck by a vehicle while walking with friends on Dec. 27, 2025, in the 4300 block of Kennywood Boulevard and later died of traumatic brain injuries at UPMC Children's Hospital, as reported by WPXI. He was a sixth-grade student at Logan Elementary in the East Allegheny School District. After his death, family members and the district held a balloon release and a memorial and organized a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs.
Investigation and official findings
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner later ruled the death accidental, Mon Valley Independent reported. West Mifflin police say the crash is still under investigation, and family members told local reporters the driver returned to the scene and has been cooperative, according to CBS News Pittsburgh. Residents who spoke at the council meeting said the accidental ruling and the limited flow of official information have not eased their desire for accountability or transparency.
Neighbors press for safety fixes
People who live near Kennywood Boulevard told reporters that the stretch is chronically dangerous and urged the council to press PennDOT or state police for stronger speed enforcement or engineering changes, according to WTAE. Organizers said the community will keep pushing for changes to the street until officials present a specific plan.
What officials said and what is next
Council members listened through the public comment period and said they would take the concerns back to borough staff, but they did not announce any immediate policy changes at the meeting listed on the borough calendar, per West Mifflin Borough. Hoodline previously reported on the December crash and the community's grief; read its earlier coverage of the community's grief. Families say they plan to return to upcoming council meetings and to escalate their requests for traffic studies until officials provide a concrete timeline for safety improvements.
