A students’ union in the United States has started a fundraiser to help bury a 77-year-old Nigerian-born Uber driver, Olatunji Bolaji, who was shot and killed while working in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Chapter of the Black Students Union launched the GoFundMe campaign to raise $25,000 to support his funeral and help his grieving family.
Bolaji, who lived in Norristown, Pennsylvania, was killed in the early hours of Wednesday, April 16, while picking up a passenger outside Byblos Hookah Bar in Centre City, Philadelphia.
According to CBS News, two men got out of a parked car behind him and opened fire as a 22-year-old man entered Bolaji’s vehicle. The attackers fired at least four shots, hitting Bolaji in the head and also injuring the passenger in the arm, leg, and stomach.
Despite his injuries, Bolaji managed to drive a short distance before crashing. He died shortly after.
In a statement, BSU Philadelphia Chapter President, Alex Morris, said, “It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden, senseless loss of Olatunji Bolaji — a 77-year-old father, grandfather, husband, and devoted rideshare driver murdered while simply doing his job.”
Morris said the union has had a long relationship with the Bolaji family and is stepping in to support his widow, Charice Bolaji, and their children.
He explained that the $25,000 will cover $12,000 for the funeral, $5,000 to support the family’s immediate living costs, and $3,000 for counseling services.
“Any amount — $5, $50, or $500 — eases the family’s burden,” the BSU statement said. “Share this campaign in your networks so others can give. And please, keep Ola’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
“Ola drove countless neighbors home safely; it’s our turn to bring his family safely through their darkest hour. Thank you for standing with the Bolajis and honoring a man whose quiet strength never faltered,” the statement added.
Police are still investigating the shooting and have not yet made any arrests.
