Longtime Buffalo activist dies at 81 after 2020 protest injuries

Authorities say Evelyn Hightower sustained serious injuries from police response during a 2020 demonstration.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an elderly woman sitting alone on a park bench, the warm sunlight and deep shadows conveying a sense of quiet resilience and the lasting impact of a lifetime of activism.The passing of an 81-year-old activist who was injured during a 2020 protest highlights the lasting toll of aggressive policing tactics on aging community leaders.Buffalo Today

Evelyn Hightower, an 81-year-old lifelong activist from Buffalo, New York, has died after sustaining injuries during a 2020 protest that she participated in against police brutality. Hightower was hospitalized for several months following the incident and never fully recovered, according to her family.

Why it matters

Hightower's death reignites scrutiny over the aggressive police response to the 2020 protests against racial injustice, which resulted in numerous injuries to demonstrators across the country. Her passing also highlights the lasting physical and emotional toll these confrontations can have on aging activists.

The details

Police in Buffalo used a variety of crowd control tactics, including tear gas and rubber bullets, to disperse protesters during the 2020 demonstrations. Hightower was struck by a rubber projectile and suffered a serious head injury that required extensive medical treatment. She was never able to fully recover and died from complications related to the injury.

  • Hightower was injured during a protest in Buffalo in June 2020.
  • She was hospitalized for several months following the incident.
  • Hightower passed away on April 5, 2026 at the age of 81.

The players

Evelyn Hightower

An 81-year-old lifelong activist from Buffalo, New York who was seriously injured by police during a 2020 protest and died years later from complications.

The Buffalo Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that used aggressive crowd control tactics, including tear gas and rubber bullets, to disperse protesters in 2020, resulting in Hightower's injury.

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What they’re saying

“Evelyn dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality. Her death is a tragic loss for our community, but her legacy will live on through all those she inspired.”

— Jamal Wilkins, Hightower's nephew

What’s next

Hightower's family is calling for a full investigation into the police response during the 2020 protests and the role it played in her eventual death.

The takeaway

Hightower's passing underscores the lasting impact that aggressive policing tactics can have on aging activists and community leaders, even years after confrontations take place. Her story reignites debates over the appropriate use of force by law enforcement during public demonstrations.