Father murdered while driving for Uber, family advocates for stronger rideshare safety standards

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The family of Emmanuel Gbedee joined lawmakers Tuesday to call for new rideshare safety measures, saying stronger protections are needed for drivers and passengers following his death while working as an Uber driver.

Family members and supporters gathered at the North Carolina Legislature to advocate for potential legislative changes aimed at improving safety standards in the rideshare industry.

"He worked to provide for us. He drove to give us a better life. Everything he did, he did for his family," said family spokesperson Imani Maatuka.

According to investigators, Gbedee was killed in January 2025 after accepting a ride request from 18-year-old Kay'vian Brown of Dunn while driving for Uber. Investigators believe Brown then shot and killed Gbedee.

The Durham father of four is survived by his wife and four children.

"When we lost him, we lost the center of our world," Maatuka said. "The grief does not come in waves. It is constant. It lives in the empty chair at the dinner table in the silence where his voice used to be."

Gbedee's estate has filed a civil lawsuit against Uber Technologies alleging wrongful death and negligence. The lawsuit contends the company failed to do enough to screen potentially dangerous passengers.

"We are here because silence is not an option," Maatuka said. "We are calling on lawmakers to strengthen protections for rideshare drivers. Rideshare companies operating in this state must be held to the highest enforceable safety standards."

Several lawmakers attending Tuesday's event said changes should be considered to prevent similar incidents. Proposed ideas discussed included improved incident reporting and requirements for cameras in rideshare vehicles.

"No one should have to risk their life simply for going to work," said Zack Hawkins. "Rideshare drivers across North Carolina and across the country face a growing safety risk every single day while they transport passengers."

The family said its goal is to ensure stronger safety protections for rideshare drivers and passengers across North Carolina. ABC11 reached out to Uber for comment and are waiting to hear back.

Uber provided this statement to ABC11 about the call for stronger protections for its drivers in North Carolina:
"Uber is deeply committed to the safety of drivers. We continuously invest in new technology and features designed to help improve safety, such as in-app audio recording, access to live safety agents, and rider verification measures. We know there is always more work to do, and we remain focused on strengthening protections and improving the experience for everyone on the platform."

Download the ABC11 News app for breaking news alerts