Dolma Naadhun, who died in 2023 at the age of seven, was struck and killed by an SUV at Newtown Road and 45th Street on February 17, 2023.

Her father, Tsering Wangdu, approached this loss in an altruistic way by committing to advocate for this dangerous intersection until it is safer for the children and families who often take this crosswalk. He advocated strongly for the installation of traffic signals on Newtown Rd particularly on 45th St. Dolma’s older brother Tsering Takgye started an online campaign calling for traffic signals on Newtown Rd from 44th St to 48th St. This campaign gained over 32,000 signatures from New Yorkers. On March 2nd, Dolma’s school PS 85Q organized a candlelight vigil attended by over 100 families. Mr. Wangdu eventually had the opportunity to appeal to the Department of Transportation’s Commissioner in person. The Commissioner and the team expedited the study and provided updates to Mr. Wangdu before the 49th day prayer for Dolma’s soul, which according to Tibetan Buddhism is the most significant prayer. Accordingly, the Department of Transportation DOT reported in a meeting with Mr. Wangdu that the Department will install a traffic signal at Newtown Rd and 45th Street.