Community Rallies For Family Of Woman Killed By Debris On I-95

PHILADELPHIA — A few weeks after a Philadelphia woman died after being struck by a piece of metal on Intestate 95 in the city, community members are rallying to support her family.

Cara Mia Panichelli, 33, of Philadelphia, died June 12.

She was struck by the debris at about 4 p.m. June 12 on I-95 south near the Columbus Boulevard ramp, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

State Police said a "large piece of metal debris" hit the windshield of the 2014 Subaru Impreza she was driving, striking her.

Panichelli is survived by her husband, Philadelphia Police Lt. Anthony Panichelli, and her daughters, 2-year-old Arabella and 1-year-old Aviana.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the Panichelli family in their time of mourning.

"Her husband Anthony, a distinguished member of the Philadelphia Police Department, is left to raise their two beautiful daughters without their mother," Campaign organizer James Graziano said. "While he faces this immeasurable loss, he is also burdened with the finances of arranging a funeral, supporting their household, and planning Arabella and Aviana's future alone."

Graziano said she was on her way home from working at the American Red Cross when the incident occurred.

"Cara Mia Panichelli was known by all as a kind and genuine person whose love for people was a force to be reckoned with," Graziano wrote on the page. "She also had a great sense of humor, which mirrored her husband's."

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, more than $93,500 has been donated to the campaign.

See here to contribute.