By Patrick Hedlund
DNAinfo News Editor
LOWER EAST SIDE — A moving memorial for a local activist struck and killed by a cab appeared recently at the site of the tragic accident on Essex Street.
Harry Wieder, 57, who was disabled and used crutches to walk, was crossing the street after a Community Board 3 meeting in April when a cab struck him.
The memorial consists of a pair of painted white "ghost" crutches similar to the ones Wieder used, adorned in flowers and a photo of the longtime neighborhood advocate.
The tribute mirrored the all-white “ghost bikes” that cycling activists have added to crash sites across the city to commemorate riders that have been killed.
Wieder was a dwarf who had been particularly outspoken regarding issues of transportation for disabled people.
On April 27, he was crossing Essex Street between East Houston and Stanton streets when fellow community board members saw him get knocked down by the cab while heading for his car.
The driver was not at fault and wasn't charged with a crime, according to police.
Friends and colleagues suggested renaming a local block in Wieder's name to honor his years of advocacy.
