New Crosswalk Dedicated For Bensalem Girl Killed In Crash

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — A crosswalk has been dedicated in the memory of Isabella Shinn, who was tragically killed walking home from work at Bruster's Ice Cream almost four years ago.

State Sen. Frank Farry and local officials held the ceremony last week on Brownsville Road in Lower Southampton and Bensalem townships to unveil pedestrian safety improvements in memory of Shinn.

“She was only 18 years old when she passed in December 2022," her mother Donna said at the ceremony. "This crosswalk will carry Isabella’s name and her memory, but more importantly I hope it reminds every person that comes through here to slow down and pay attention.”

Farry joined family and friends of the Shinn family, along with State Reps. Joe Hogan (R-142) and K.C. Tomlinson (R-178), Bensalem Township Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, and local officials from Lower Southampton and Bensalem townships for the unveiling of dedications signs and a ribbon cutting at the new crosswalk.

“It was a bittersweet day to finally see this project come to fruition and provide some peace for the Shinn family,” Farry said. “In memory of Isabella, please slow down and drive safely.”

The improvements include a new pedestrian crosswalk, pedestal-mounted rectangular rapid flashing beacons, new ADA-compliant curb ramps, new sidewalks and a dedication sign in memory of Shinn.

Farry, Tomlinson and Hogan secured the funding for the project and worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Bensalem and Lower Southampton townships for several years to make it happen.

Her mother said that while the crosswalk is very important, her daughter was "so much more than what happened to her here."

"She was our daughter, Nicholas’ sister, and a friend to so many," her mother said. "She had a second-degree blackbelt, was a swim instructor and a Phillies fan."

(State Sen. Frank Farry) Jerry, Donna, and Nicholas Shinn cut the ribbon on the new crosswalk on Brownsville Road in memory of Isabella Shinn. State Sen. Frank Farry and State Rep. Joe Hogan hold the ribbon on either end as Isabella’s friends and family, local officials and first responders look on.