An executive with the Human Rights Campaign was killed in a crash in Northeast Washington on Saturday night.
Cassidy Karakorn, 39, of Northeast Washington, was riding a Piaggio scooter on Florida Avenue when the crash occurred.
As the director of consumer marketing, the Human Rights Campaign said Korakorn "tirelessly championed civil rights for the LGBTQ community."
"Cassidy was a vibrant and energetic force for change in the world. Her talents were boundless. Her creative genius and passion were unmatched," the Human Rights Campaign said in a statement Tuesday.
"She was definitely a bright star among H Street, Trinidad and our surrounding neighborhoods," friend Jason Skipworth said. "We'll definitely miss her, and we give our prayers to her family."
Korakorn was riding eastbound on Florida Avenue at 11:17 p.m. Saturday, when a driver in the far right lane attempted to make a U-turn.
As the SUV crossed the left lane, Karakorn struck the driver's side of the SUV.
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Police said the SUV driver and witnesses tried to help Karakorn, but she died at a hospital.
In 2013, Refinery29, the news and lifestyle website, featured Karakorn in a profile about her work with the Human Rights Campaign, side gig as a DJ and her personal style.
"Driven by my passion for social activism, I need to feel that I’m working for something and not someone," Karakorn said.
John Yamashita, a partner at a restaurant on H Street NE, said her contributions to the cultural life of the city will be missed.
"She's just really been a part of the D.C. scene for a long time," he said.
Police said the crash that led to Karakorn's death is still under investigation. There's no word on whether any charges will be filed.
