NORFOLK, Va. — Members of the local LGBT community are grieving following the tragic death of a Portsmouth woman killed in a wrong-way crash over the weekend.
On Saturday morning, Dec. 30, 43-year-old Shelby "Lex" Walker was driving through the Downtown Tunnel in Norfolk when she was hit head on by a driver going the wrong way. She was killed instantly, authorities said.
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Woman dead after crash involving wrong-way driver in Norfolk tunnel: VSP
Some of Walker's loved ones told News 3 that she played a positive role in the lives of so many in her community.
"She was involved in all sorts of organizations, from TAP Virginia, to the Southeastern Resource Center and Hampton Roads Pride," said De Sube, with the Transgender Assistance Program.
Close friends like Symon Howard said Walker embraced everyone like family, especially those who may have felt abandoned by their own.
"She knew what it was like to not have that family support," said Howard. "She would change clothes at other community members' houses because her family wasn't supportive of that lifestyle."
For Dexter Davis, this was especially true. Davis says he met Walker when he was going through tough times with his biological family. In Walker, he found a mother figure.
"Because of her, so many people got to feel loved," said Davis.
Virginia State Police said the other driver involved was 27-year-old Dominique Goodwin, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Alcohol was said to be a factor and charges are pending.
Michelle Reed says her friend would still be alive if a better decision was made.
"This was senseless. You shouldn't drink and drive. Use an Uber, call me, call somebody, sleep in your car. Because someone didn't, Lex is gone," said Reed.
Reed told News 3 that they want to see justice for Walker. At the same time, many of them are remembering the kind and forgiving person she was.
"I don't think Lex would want us to be vindictive," said Sube.
A candlelight vigil for Walker will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5 in the Waterside District.
Correction: An earlier version of the video with this story used images related to another vehicle crash. WTKR News 3 regrets the error.
