84-Year-Old Artist Struck and Killed in Alexandria

An Alexandria, Virginia, man whose artwork has been featured throughout the world died when a driver struck him on Duke Street on Sunday.

Alfredo Da Silva, 84, was crossing the road when the car struck him just before 8 a.m. in the 5100 block of Duke Street in the Landmark area, police said. Da Silva died at the scene.

Da Silva was a well-known artist from Bolivia. His paintings hang at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Art Museum of the Americas in D.C.

"He was the kindest, sweetest men I have ever known," family friend Sebastian Oveysi told News4 via a video call on Monday.

Oveysi said Da Silva loved working on his art, but always made time for his family.

"He was pretty much my uncle and I called him Uncle Alfredo all the time," he said.

Da Silva's son told News4 his father was on his way to church when he was struck.

The driver of the car stayed on the scene, police said.

"It's still kind of sinking in for me and it's still a big shock for us," Oveysi said.

"We’re grieving along with the rest of the community," said Pablo Zuniga, the director of the Art Museum of the Americas.

He says Da Silva’s pieces have always been thought provoking.

"He wants to be able to express to you, through his talented skills, emotions," Zuniga said.

Duke Street at Cameron Station Boulevard was shut down for several hours as police investigated the crash.

Editor's Note: Police previously said the Da Silva was 89. His family told News4 he was 84.