Mother Killed While Saving Daughter In South Philadelphia Crash

PHILADELPHIA – The maternal instinct to save one's children without regard for a mother's own safety is hardwired into mothers of all species, including humans. And sadly, a 46-year-old mother lost her life while saving her daughter's life Saturday during a South Philadelphia crash.

Maria Jacovelli was walking with her daughter at 23rd and Jackson streets at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10 when an out-of-control minivan crashed into several vehicles and them. But it was Jacovelli's maternal reaction that led to her daughter, who has a child of her own, surviving the incident.

Jacovelli was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at about 4:45 p.m., Philadelphia Police said.

Her daughter suffered only minor injuries to her legs and is in stable condition, according to police.

And now Jacovelli's family is hoping the good will of fellow Philadelphians will help them say goodbye to her with minimal financial burden.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help her family make funeral arrangements for Jacovelli during the time of mourning.

So far, more than $4,300 of the $5,000 goal has been reached.

"Because this tragedy has happened unexpectedly, the family is in desperate need for all the support and help during time of grief," the GoFundMe Page reads. "Maria was beloved by her many family including her two children and grandson Isaiah. She was such an amazing woman and mother. It is our honor to help her be laid to internal peace."

See here to contribute to the campaign.

In addition to Jacovelli being killed and her daughter injured, the crash injured two other people and damaged four vehicles, police said.

The 38-year-old driver of the van is suspected to have been on medication and may have blacked out, causing the crash.

Police took the driver to Penn Presbyterian Hospital for a medical condition evaluation after the crash, police said.

Image via GoFundMe