Michigan-Native Peace Corps Worker Killed In Uganda
WOODHAVEN (WWJ) - A Downriver woman who was serving with the Peace Corps in Uganda has been killed in a traffic accident.
Woodhaven native Danielle Gucciardo, 23, was hit by a pickup as she was crossing a highway in northern Uganda.
According to the News-Herald, three other people were injured.
"Danielle was a committed and dedicated Peace Corps volunteer who was thrilled to be a teacher in her Gulu community," said Peace Corps Deputy Deputy Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet, in a statement."This is a tragic loss for the entire Peace Corps, including her fellow volunteers in Uganda. Our thoughts and prayers are with Danielle's family during this difficult time."
In her Peace Corps application Gucciardo said she looked forward to keeping an open mind by trying new things and listening to new ideas during her service. She hoped to use the new perspective from her Peace Corps service to influence and inspire others to educate themselves on social issues and to get involved and give back to communities on a local, national and global scale.
"She was just amazing," her father, Joe Gucciardo told the newspaper. "She was always happy, always smiling. She just had a love for life and she wanted to help people."
Gucciardo is survived by her parents and two sisters. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Authorities still are investigating the cause of the crash.
Note: It was erroneously reported on Tuesday that a police officer died in the crash. That information turned out to be incorrect.
