Watch CBS News

Penn Hills Remembers Hit-And-Run Victim With Black-And-Red Ribbons

PENN HILLS (KDKA) -- Black and red ribbons now line the street of Hershey Road in Penn Hills. It's a reminder of a life cut too short.

Joseph Morris, 51, was walking home from work April 28 when he was hit by a car and dragged for half a mile. He died at the scene.

RELATED STORIES:

Carrie Lowe, a neighbor, never met Morris, but she wanted to help the family anyway she could.

Lowe reached out to Morris' sister and found out black was his favorite color. She bought black ribbon from Amazon and included red for love and attached them to telephone poles on Hershey Road.

joseph morris penn hills ribbons
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

"We had to remember him. They weren't finding the person, and every time I drove down Hershey Road, I would see the mark that went over half a mile. I just hope people don't forget, I don't want anyone to forget what his life was about," Lowe said.

The speed limit on Hershey Road is 25 mph, but Lowe says drivers constantly speed. She hopes this small, but meaningful memorial will slow drivers down.

"Every time I drive, I go slower and I can't help think about what he must have gone through. I just can't imagine. I certainly hope they get the person. I don't know how anybody could live with themselves with knowing that they did this to a human being," Lowe said.

Police announced Wednesday night that the suspected driver, 21-year-old Surron Burch, had been arrested.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.