Mother of woman killed on her way to work speaks out

A woman walking to work for her shift at Ingalls Shipbuilding Wednesday morning was hit by a vehicle and later died.

She’s been identified by her mother, Nakia Newsome, as 28-year-old Keiaja Barnes. Barnes was taken to USA Health University Hospital in Mobile after she was struck by a vehicle near the Ingalls Campus. Barnes died Thursday, leaving behind children ages 6, 4, 2, and 5 1/2 months old.

“The whole time I was holding my baby’s hand. I was there and then they turned off the machine. I was there for her, her first heartbeat and her very last,” remarked Newsome.

Ingalls officials confirmed the incident, saying that Barnes was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a highway.

Barnes’s mother Nakia Newsome shared more about how her daughter’s loss will be felt by her family.

“She was so fun loving. She wasn’t real friendly, she’s like a Sour Patch, you know they’re sour then they’re sweet if they get to know you. If you was her friend she’ll ride for you till the end. My DJ, my comedian, my little bestie, I loved my baby and she loved me and she knew her momma would do anything for her and these babies.”

We will keep you updated if we learn any more about the circumstances surrounding Barnes’s death.