A 77-year-old Nigerian Uber driver, Olatunji W. Bolaji, was fatally shot early Wednesday morning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
His 22-year-old passenger was also injured and remains in critical condition.
According to reports, Bolaji had picked up the young man outside Byblos Hookah Bar near Rittenhouse Square around 2 a.m. Shortly after the ride began, a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with Massachusetts license plates pulled up behind Bolaji’s SUV.
Two individuals exited the vehicle, and one of them opened fire, striking both Bolaji and his passenger.
Despite suffering a gunshot wound to the head, Bolaji managed to drive a short distance before crashing into a pole at the intersection of 17th and Chestnut Streets.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger sustained gunshot wounds to the arm, leg, and stomach and was transported to Jefferson University Hospital.
Surveillance footage captured the incident, and authorities are reviewing the video to identify the suspects.
Investigators are still working to determine a motive but suspect there may have been a confrontation between the passenger and the attackers before the shooting.
Uber expressed condolences to Bolaji’s family, stating, “Our hearts break for the driver’s family and loved ones in the wake of this devastating loss.
We’ve reached out to police to offer our support as they work to bring those responsible to justice.”
Neighbours and friends described Bolaji as kind, hardworking, and family-oriented.
A longtime friend shared that Bolaji was a dedicated worker and a proud father whose son is a college graduate.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Bolaji’s family with funeral expenses, living costs, and counseling during this difficult time.