DALLAS — The city of Dallas is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 23-year-old Aya Knox, who lost her life early Saturday morning after being struck and dragged by an SUV in Downtown Dallas. The incident occurred around 4:40 a.m. on the 1500 block of Elm Street, where police found Knox pinned under the vehicle.
Emergency responders from Dallas Fire-Rescue rushed her to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities confirmed that the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. A witness, who recorded video after the SUV came to a stop, said they saw Knox trip into the street before the collision, leaving a visible trail of blood along the path where she was dragged—a haunting reminder of the tragedy.
Family and friends lovingly referred to her as the “Queen of Dallas,” a testament to the love, joy, and warmth she shared with everyone around her. Knox had recently celebrated her birthday and had spent the night before the crash with friends. She worked at a local medical clinic and dreamed of becoming a nurse, a path cut short by this sudden and devastating accident.
Her aunt, Nakia Clay, described the loss as “traumatic” and “surreal,” saying the family is still struggling to process the events. In South Dallas, friends, family, and community members gathered for a vigil to honor her life, holding candles and photos as they remembered her kindness, her laughter, and the profound love she had for her family.
“Family meant everything to Aya,” Clay said. “It was important for us to show the world the young lady she was and how deeply she was loved by all of us.”
The Dallas Police Department continues to investigate the incident. The community is left mourning a bright, compassionate life that ended far too soon, remembering Aya Knox for her spirit, her dreams, and the love she gave freely to everyone she knew.
This is an active investigation.
