Woman killed at 51st and Troost identified as Chinese piano student, new to UMKC

A young woman who was struck by a speeding car and killed Thursday as she drove her scooter across the intersection of 51st Street and Troost Avenue has been identified as Yuxi Wu, a Chinese student who just arrived at the University of Missouri-Kansas City to study piano at the conservatory.

Wu was in her first semester.

“We are devastated by this tragic loss, and our hearts go out to her family and loved ones,” UMKC spokeswoman Stacy Downs wrote in a release. “We are providing counseling services to students, faculty and staff during this difficult time for our campus community.”

Wu, whose age was not included in the statement, had just arrived at UMKC to study in part with pianist and composer Sean Chen.

She died at approximately noon Thursday when a red Ford Focus, traveling faster than the speed limit, changed lanes while heading north on Troost Avenue and struck Wu in the intersection , known by residents and students to be dangerous.

The intersection had no red light. Wu was declared dead soon thereafter a local hospital.

“Yuxi was a wonderful and hardworking student and sensitive musician, and I understand a kind friend as well,” Chen said in a text to The Star. “It’s a great loss to us all.”