Zhihua Lin and Chun Liang Li, prominent members of the Chinese American community in Philadelphia, lost their lives early yesterday in a horrific crash. They were returning home after a business meeting in Chinatown when a speeding Buick Regal ran a red light and slammed into the driver's side of a Toyota Corolla. Their car was so mangled that their bodies could not be pulled from the wreckage at the scene.
Lin, 58, who came to the United States in 1987, began working in the restaurant trade, and for the last two years was a local representative of the online shopping service called Market America, said Sue Huang, 24, a niece.
Lin and Li, who both worked in take-out restaurants during their time in Philadelphia, were elected last week to head the Fujian Association of Pennsylvania, said Steven Zhu, who serves on the Mayor's Commission on Asian American Affairs. The group helps recent immigrants from Fujian Province in Southeast China.
Lin was also a vice president of the Greater Philadelphia United Chinese American Chamber of Commerce. Li, who was active in several Chinese American business organizations, owned a take-out restaurant in North Philadelphia.
The crash happened about 1:45 a.m. when the Buick, northbound on 16th, plowed into Lin's westbound car on Vine. The driver of the Buick and two others sought in connection with the crash were at large last night. (Source: Sam Wood , Philly.com, Mar 19, 2010).