DALLAS — An activist and barber shop owner in the Oak Cliff area is being remembered as a hero. She died in a car crash on Monday, Feb. 6.
A candlelight vigil was held in her honor, where over 100 people showed up.
Martin Gonzalez is mourning the death of 42-year-old Liegea Lopez, a beloved neighborhood activist and owner of Bishop Barbers and Bishop Barber Babes.
"She was like a sister," said Gonzalez, who is a barber at Lopez’s shop.
"I just still don’t believe it. It’s like I don’t want to accept it," he said.
According to Hutchins police, Lopez died in a head-on crash on Dowdy Ferry Road in Hutchins, right near her house.
"I called her mom, and she confirmed that she didn’t make it," said Martin.
What hurts Martin the most is the void that will now be felt because Lopez was a champion in the community.
"Back to school, we would go to different schools, like going to parks," said Martin, describing the events they would have.
Lopez was known for holding large community events, from supporting women’s causes to always encouraging everyone to vote.
Martin said she would do, "Back to school for the homeless, for anything, anybody that would invite us, we would go.’’
Martin said Lopez not only changed his life but, "my career went up because she gave me a chance to work here."
But when she walked into her barber shop, her personality would light up a room.
"Come on, hustle hustle," is what she would say, according to Martin.
Her infectious energy of working hard made a difference in everyone’s life.
"Everywhere she go, everybody knew her," said Martin.
She was just 42 years old. Now her three sons, the rest of her family and her beloved community will try to keep her legacy alive.
"Keeping the shop still open, this is for her, we will dedicate everything for Gia," said Martin.