PHILADELPHIA, March 24 (UPI) -- The parents of a Bulgarian ballet dancer who died after being hit by a car said Friday they are taking her body home for burial.
Polina Kadiyska, 22, died Tuesday after being taken off life support at Jefferson Hospital. Her parents, Ruslan and Daniela, arrived in Philadelphia just in time to share her last moments, WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, reported.
"We did not expect so much help and support here," her father said in an interview with the TV station.
Kadiyska was hit by a car at about 4 a.m. Sunday on South Broad Street. Deandre Barnes, 19, who was allegedly driving drunk, has been charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident.
The dancer had been living in Philadelphia while studying at the Rock School for Dance Education.
"She was one of the hardest workers we had here," said Brian McCole, the school's general manager. "She always volunteered for any dirty job that had to be done around here. Just a beautiful, energetic person."
