Brooklyn Park Father Asks City to Improve Intersection Where Son Died in Vehicle Crash

A Brooklyn Park father is pleading with the city to do something about the intersection of Candlewood Drive and West Broadway. Chang Yang lost his son, Jupiter Yang, earlier this month due to a fatal car accident. 

Flowers, sentimental belongings and authentic Asian food were placed on the intersection where Yang’s son died. 

Jupiter Yang’s memorial on West Broadway and Candlewood Dr.

“My son was a hardworking student; he was motivated and listened well,” Chang Yang said, speaking to CCX News through an interpreter.

He described his son as an outgoing family guy who worked in real estate and served in the Marine Reserves.

On the morning of Sept. 12, Jupiter Yang left the house to attend drill. He was making a turn on West Broadway when he was struck by a truck.

Yang attended the Brooklyn Park City Council meeting last week to voice his concerns. Neighbors also showed up to urge council members to push for a stoplight at the intersection. Neighbors say they have been advocating for a stoplight for years. Yang said the city, however, prioritized a light rail project that never happened.

Jupiter Yang in the Marine Corps Reserves.

“We all use the intersection on Candlewood and West Broadway to go to work, so that’s why it’s dangerous and a concern for all of us,” said Yang.

Jupiter’s father is also concerned about how narrow Candlewood Drive is due to construction. He added that barriers along the shoulders of West Broadway cause a blind spot for small cars.

“Since I’ve been here, there’s been a couple of fatal accidents already. Not only that, but there’s been several accidents,” Yang said.

Brooklyn Park police confirm three fatal accidents since 2003 with another 19 accidents resulting in injuries. 

Yang hopes it doesn’t take any more lives before the city takes action.

“Please put a stop light there so we can safely go to work,” he said. “So we will no longer have a fear of the intersection.”

Brooklyn Park