ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A grieving mother who lost her son this summer was overcome with emotion Friday, after her and the community’s pleas for pedestrian safety measures were met with action.

Back in June six-year-old Ryan Grantham Jr., known as “Bear,” was struck and killed by a commercial truck on Thurston Road in Rochester. His mother Farasa Brown was in a nearby hair salon when Ryan, his sister and older cousin crossed the road to get some snacks.

Ryan never made it back.

“That day runs in my head every minute every second,” Brown said. “I’m just learning to breathe.”

The community rallied behind Brown and her family, filing a petition with Rochester City Council asking for pedestrian safety improvements. That petition gathered more than 3,500 signatures.

The Monroe County Department of Transportation has since completed a traffic study in the area, revealing concerns such as limited visibility and speeding. They hope to correct those issues by creating a crosswalk between Hillendale Street and Sawyer Street. Pedestrian signs, and flashing lights will also be added.

“This is not the first time someone lost their life in this particular area due to getting hit by a vehicle,” said Josie McClary, 19th Ward Association President, “so I’m very glad this is just one step closer to preventing someone else from losing their life.”  

The crosswalk should be finished by the end of fall.