Survivor of Deadly Crash Struggles to Make Sense of Tragedy

Survivor of Deadly Crash Struggles to Make Sense of Tragedy

"I do not know how I am alive." These were the heartrending words of Linh Luu as she lay in her hospital bed, endeavoring to comprehend the aftermath of a calamitous multi-vehicle collision that claimed the lives of her boyfriend, Mischa Romanenko, and her cherished dog, Keepers. The tragic incident, which transpired in San Francisco, has left Luu grappling not only with physical injuries but also with an overwhelming sense of loss.

The crash occurred on what seemed to be an ordinary Sunday evening as Luu, Romanenko, and Keepers were en route to pick up her grandmother and aunt for a trip to the airport. Their journey was abruptly and violently interrupted at the intersection of 6th and Harrison streets when a black Tesla, reportedly traveling at 98 miles per hour, collided with seven vehicles, including a Waymo autonomous car.

Luu's recollections of the crash are fragmented, but one moment remains indelibly etched in her memory. "I remember looking over to him and saying, 'I love you,' and him saying, 'I love you too,' back to me," she recounted. "It was just one moment after that I was being wheeled into different rooms." Romanenko did not survive the crash, nor did Keepers. Luu, who sustained multiple broken bones, is now left to grapple with profound grief and a multitude of unanswered questions.

San Francisco police apprehended 66-year-old Jia Lin Zheng, who was subsequently booked on charges of vehicular manslaughter. According to a police report, Zheng did not exhibit any signs of alcohol intoxication shortly after the arrest, and a blood alcohol screening conducted several hours later did not indicate the presence of alcohol in his system. Zheng claimed that he had been pressing the brakes, but the vehicle failed to decelerate or stop.

As Luu embarks on her road to recovery, she reflects on the safety of the intersection where the crash occurred. "I really want to know exactly what happened," she said. "The way Sixth Street exists, you can go as fast as you want until you hit that stoplight, right?" Despite her injuries and heartache, Luu wants Romanenko to be remembered for his positivity and kindness. "He was just so much joy being around him," she said. "Anyone who crossed paths with him in his life would definitely have a story or two about how he made them laugh, how he put a smile on their face."

Luu hopes that by sharing her story, she will not only honor Romanenko's memory but also inspire action to address traffic safety concerns in the area. She urges others to cherish their loved ones. "After losing everything and everyone, the love of my life," she said. "Just please, hug your loved ones. Tell them you love them."

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and new details continue to emerge. As Luu navigates her recovery, the community rallies around her, offering support and condolences. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring every moment with loved ones.

In the face of unimaginable loss, Linh Luu's resilience and determination to seek answers and advocate for change stand as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and find meaning even in the darkest of times.