KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) – When Tami Knight arrives at the Pilates Club in Freedom, she brings stories of adventure and a compassionate spirit with her.
“When you see her on the class list, that’s to be expected,” said Patrick Copley, owner of the Pilates studio.
Her smile beams in this photo holding a sign that says “Welcome to Club 250,” taken as she completed 250 classes.
“Tami is a ray of light, always has something positive to say, one of those people who never have a bad day, one of those people who always have something on the horizon, no matter what. scuba diving, skydiving or hiking.”
She owns a photography business and works for the Kansas City Public Schools in their administrative office.
KCPS Communications Director Kelly Wachel worked closely with her.
“Tami is our quiet, rockstar data analyst,” Wachel wrote in an email. “On the night of her death, she took the time to tell each of her teammates why she was grateful for each of them. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. We are heartbroken.”
Knight was on the sidewalk on December 15 when the SUV and fire truck collided, crashing into a building, collapsing. She was found under the rubble the next morning.
The police told us the fire truck passed the intersection of Westport Road and Broadway on a red light with their lights and sirens.
KCTV obtained department policy which states, “Unless motorists are able to calculate all lanes during an emergency response, all Fire Department vehicles must come to a complete stop at all red light intersections and negative right-of-way situations.”
Two people in the SUV were also killed.
Jennifer San Nicholas was driving a colleague home from Ragazza, the nearby restaurant where they worked.
That coworker, Michael Elwood, plans to return to his hometown three days later to help care for his mother, who is battling cancer.
As for Knight, Copley has a message for all the others holding her close in their hearts.
“Especially with her mom, you’ve got a wonderful daughter. We will never forget her. She’s so special and we’re all better off getting to know her,” said Copley, fighting a tumor in his throat.
Police and fire officials said the investigation into the wreck could take a month or more.
