FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2024
UPDATE 10/11/2024:
The investigation into the tragic fatal crash on October 3rd, which resulted in the death of Mamawa Simai, remains open and active.
Members of the Charlottesville Police Department’s Traffic, Criminal Investigations, and Forensic Units have worked together to gather the necessary facts and evidence to present to the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney. Investigators are currently awaiting results from data downloads of the involved vehicle and driver’s cellular phone. Once all available data and evidence has been collected and reviewed, the case will be presented to the Commonwealth Attorney.
This process is expected to be completed within the next week. The family of the victim has been updated as to the status of the investigation and will continue to receive regular updates.
Charlottesville Police Investigate Fatal Crash
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - On October 3, 2024 at approximately 7:25 p.m., Charlottesville police officers responded to a vehicle crash with a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Elliot Avenue at South First Street.
The adult female victim, who was later identified as 64-year-old Charlottesville resident, Mamawa Simai, was quickly transported to the University of Virginia Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The driver of the involved vehicle, later identified as 19-year-old Louisa County resident, Matthew Christian Kozub, remained on scene and reported the crash to law enforcement. A witness to the crash also remained on scene. Unfortunately, Simai did not survive her injuries. Responding officers were able to locate her next of kin and notify them of this tragedy.
Members of the Charlottesville PD Traffic and Forensic Units responded to the scene. Preliminary information gathered during this investigation indicated that Simai was walking to work, when she was crossing the crosswalk at South First Street and Elliot Avenue where the crash occurred. Kozub was interviewed and provided a statement to officers at the scene. The witness on scene was also interviewed. Kozub was taken into custody on scene for an unrelated assault warrant out of Louisa County and is currently being held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.
This crash is still under investigation with the Charlottesville Traffic Unit. Members of the Traffic Unit will present the facts of this case to the Commonwealth Attorney before a decision is made on potential charges.
Matthew Christian Kozub
Media Contact
Kyle Ervin
Public Information Officer
City of Charlottesville
(434) 326-3043
ervinkl@charlottesville.gov