ROCHESTER, N.Y. —  Late on Friday, Aug. 16, around 11:12 p.m., Lafayama Chapman, 36, made a routine stop at Hooked Fish Market on Driving Park Avenue — a place he often visited.

Though the market had just closed, the staff, knowing Lafayama's fondness for their cakes, kindly offered him a leftover piece. What started as a kind gesture turned into a heartbreaking tragedy just moments later.

What You Need To Know

  • Lafayama Chapman, a beloved community member, was tragically killed when a car, involved in an crash, lost control and crashed into the Hooked Fish Market

  • Lafayama's death has deeply affected his family and the local community, who remember him as a kind and genuine person

  • The Rochester Police Department is investigating the crash, with one driver identified and set to face charges

As Lafayama left the market, an unforeseen crash unfolded. One car collided with another, lost control and careened into the market, fatally striking Lafayama. He was rushed to the hospital, but despite medical efforts, he succumbed to internal injuries, police say.

Theresa Newton-Goins, a family member, expressed the deep pain and frustration the family is feeling.

"We are missing him and the situation that happened, it was careless, it's not so fair," she said.

Kenneth Rivers, the owner of Hooked Fish Market, recounted the terrifying moments.

"I was thinking that he's walking back home because he lives right down the street. He tries to run into the shop for cover, but the car runs off the curb and runs into the shop," he said.

Rivers pointed to a beam that miraculously prevented the car from completely crashing into the kitchen area.

"This beam is what stops the car from coming through the shop and going into the kitchen. It kicks the car back and stops it from going on top of Laffey," said Rivers.

The aftermath of the crash left the business in ruins, with the front of the building destroyed and damage extending into the kitchen. However, for those who knew Lafayama, the real loss was far more profound and personal.

Newton-Goins shared the devastating moment the family realized Lafayama was the victim.

"One of his sisters said that an investigator said that they had to talk to her and then we found out it was Laffey that got hit," she said, highlighting the emotional shock that gripped the family.

The community has since rallied together to honor Lafayama's memory, with his absence deeply felt by all who knew him. Rivers expressed the loss felt by the neighborhood.

"He was genuinely a good person and then to watch this is just unreal. He was a part of the neighborhood, stopping by every day, it just it was a part of his day, now it won't be a part of his day anymore," he said.

Newton-Goins echoed these sentiments.

"We're going to miss Laffey and we will always remember him as the sweet, kind person that he was," she said.

Lafayama leaves behind three children. The Rochester Police Department confirmed that a white Honda had struck the car that ultimately crashed into the market. While that car has been located, the driver remains at large. The vehicle that struck the fish market was identified as a Kia, driven by a woman who was intoxicated at the time of the crash, according to investigators. The RPD says she will face charges.

In the wake of this tragedy, Rivers remains committed to the community. He plans to rebuild the fish market and continue serving his loyal customers. In addition, he is organizing fundraising efforts to support Lafayama's grieving family during this difficult time.