'He was a good person': Family in Africa mourns the loss of son killed in Brady Street crash
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A man came to Milwaukee all the way from northern Africa, searching for new opportunities. Instead, he's the latest victim of reckless driving after a driver fleeing police hit the man's vehicle, killing him.
The crash happened Tuesday night on Brady Street. El Moctar Sidiya was killed.
The father of 28-year-old Sidiya says his son was a good, trustworthy person.
While there's no sign of the deadly crash that happened in front of Peter Sciortino Bakery, it was a very different scene the night before.
CBS 58 obtained security video showing the moment a police pursuit ended at Humboldt and Brady Street.
"Everything was taped off it was really scary. There were probably 30 to 40 cops out here and everything was shut off like a block away," said David Shepard, witness.
David Shepard was walking his dog when he saw the aftermath. He says it's concerning being out late on Brady Street.
"It's kind of scary to go out and about in Milwaukee now because there's people just acting reckless, we had brady fest the other day and it's kind of overwhelming. You don't know what's going to happen with large groups of people or popular places now because people don't seem to know how to act," Shepard explained.
Milwaukee Police say the pursuit started at Center Street around 9:22 p.m. when they attempted to stop a driver for reckless driving.
The suspect's vehicle hit a second vehicle, killing an innocent driver.
The medical examiner's office identified the man killed as 28-year-old El Moctar Sidiya.
"It's just unfortunate what happened," said Shepard.
The owner of Sole Salvation Patricia Sallis worries about how the continued reckless driving will impact business on Brady Street
"Brady Street is supposed to be a popular area it's on the tourist map and when you hear about something like this happening it can definitely deter people from wanting to come to brady street and we don't want that to happen,"
We talked to Sidiya's family who live in Northern Africa.
His father says he came to Milwaukee for work.
The passenger, a 27-year-old, in the second car was hurt and is expected to be okay.
"I worry so much about the families of the victim. It's sad a lot of times the person that gets hurt is innocent not involved not knowing what's even going on," said Sallis.
The alleged reckless driver, a 22-year-old, is under arrested in the hospital and being treated for non-fatal injuries.
While most of Sidiya's family doesn't speak English, CBS58 have been messaging his cousin using Google Translate, he says Sidiya was financially supporting his family and many in the community are mourning his loss.
Abdallah Sidiya, the father El Moctar Sidiya, sent CBS58 a statement about the loss of his son:
I could never forget my son—he left too deep a mark on every heart he touched. He was the kind of person who carried light with him wherever he went. Kind to everyone, no matter their story or circumstance. His kindness wasn’t just politeness—it was genuine, deeply rooted in who he was. He was joyful, always able to lift spirits with a smile or a word of encouragement. But he also knew when to be serious. He carried responsibility with grace and maturity beyond his years. He was someone you could depend on—steadfast and sincere. He was always ready to help, never turning away from someone in need. He gave his time, his energy, his heart—without ever expecting anything in return. And there was a mercy in him that was rare—he forgave easily, empathized deeply, and sought peace over pride. If I could ask the world to remember him in one way, it would be this: remember the goodness he lived by. Remember the light he shared. And remember to pass it on. I'm happy to share these memories with you. It brings me comfort to speak about him, because remembering the kind of person he was keeps his spirit alive. He was truly someone special—kind-hearted with everyone he met, always ready with a warm smile or a comforting word. His joy was contagious; he brought light into every room and lifted the hearts of those around him. But behind that joyful spirit was also a deep seriousness—he understood responsibility, faced challenges with maturity, and never took his duties lightly. He was generous with his time, always willing to help, whether it was something big or small. You could count on him—he never hesitated to support others, often putting their needs before his own. And above all, he was merciful. He had a rare ability to forgive, to empathize, and to respond to pain with compassion. These qualities made him deeply loved, and it's how I would want him to be remembered: as someone who lived with kindness, gave with an open heart, and left the world better simply by being in it.
Charges are pending a review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.
