Driver charged with homicide in fan's death

The South Philadelphia man accused of running down two St. Louis Cardinals fans last week has been charged with vehicular homicide and homicide while under the influence after one of the women died, police said yesterday.

The second woman remained in critical condition at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, officials said yesterday.

Joseph Genovese Jr., 18, of the 3100 block of South Juniper Street, initially was charged with aggravated assault and related charges.

Cindy Grassi, 53, of St. Louis, and Sandra Wacker, 36, of Maryland Heights, Mo., were best friends who had taught school together and frequently traveled to see their favorite baseball team. They arrived in Philadelphia last week and attended two games when the Cardinals played the Phillies.

Shortly after Thursday's game, the women were struck as they crossed Broad Street near Citizens Bank Park, police said.

Grassi, who retired last year, died Saturday. She is survived by her husband, two children and two grandchildren. Memorial services are planned for today and Saturday in Missouri. Funeral services will be private, a friend said.

Wacker remained in intensive care, where doctors were treating her for brain trauma, a broken leg, and dislocated shoulders, police said.

The women had met at Mark Twain Elementary School in Brentwood, Mo., where both had taught. Wacker teaches fourth grade, and principal Karen Smith said Tuesday that she expected her to return.

"We're very much family, and we had a candlelight vigil at the school on Sunday night attended by 150 to 200 people," Smith said.

Updates about the memorials for Grassi will be posted on the school district's Web site at

» READ MORE: www.brentwood.k12.mo.us/

. A Web site and fund for Wacker have been set up at

» READ MORE: www.prayersforsandy.com/

.