Ethiopian immigrants Berihun Mekonnen and Tigist Yitna moved to the United States to give their child a better life. Their dreams were dashed, however, when their 12-year-old daughter Arsema Mekonnen was killed while on school property. On March 6, 2025, Arsema was walking outside Washington Middle School in Seattle, reportedly on her way to recess. While she was walking, an unoccupied vehicle left in a no-parking zone rolled down a hill and struck her, killing her instantly.
Seattle School Superintendent Brent Jones spoke to the media shortly after the tragic accident, but Arsema’s parents said the school didn’t contact them for days, according to KIRO 7. “They were just left here to fend for themselves and figure out the rest,” said Wintan Haile, a family friend and interpreter.
Arsema’s parents feel betrayed by their chosen country, KIRO 7 reported. “I brought my daughter here from Ethiopia to have a better life,” said Yitna, as she sobbed, “to go to a better school, get better education. And then I send my child to school and I don’t get my child back.”
The weight of the loss of their child has been compounded by the questions that remain unanswered and the school’s lack of communication in the midst of this tragedy. “Who killed my kid?” asked Berihun Mekonnen. “Why you don’t tell me? Why?”
Police shared that the driver of the vehicle is a 51-year-old woman, People reported. Aside from her age and gender, details of her identity have not been shared with the media or with Arsema’s parents.
In the days since her death, Arsema’s parents have not been able to see her. “Almost six days today,” Mekonnen said. “Never seen my kids. Can you imagine?” The couple last saw their daughter when they dropped her off at school.
Bev Redmond, chief of staff for Seattle schools, contacted KIRO 7 to share that the district is working on arranging a meeting with the family as early as possible this week. She added that they are “committed to supporting the family.”
At the time of publication, authorities had not decided if the driver responsible for Arsema’s death will face any charges. Although the family believes the school district has dropped the ball, members of the community have stepped up. Parents from Washington Middle School have launched a GoFundMe account to raise money to cover the unexpected funeral costs and support the family as they grieve this unimaginable loss.
The parents responsible for the fundraiser reached out to Arsema’s parents beforehand. After reaching their initial goal, they increased the amount to further support the family. So far, the fundraiser has collected more than $47,000 of its $50,000 goal. Arsema’s funeral will take place on March 16.
