Driver fled scene after striking man who had exited vehicle from prior two-vehicle crash
December 19, 2025 | Harmony Township, OH
Hua Zheng, a 44-year-old from Brooklyn, New York, lost his life in a hit-and-run incident along Interstate 71 in Harmony Township, Morrow County, Ohio.
The tragic accident unfolded early on Dec. 19, when Zheng exited his vehicle following a minor collision and was struck by another driver who fled the scene.
Hua Zheng, 44, of Brooklyn, New York, was killed after being struck while outside his vehicle on Interstate 71 north in Harmony Township.
What Happened in the Crash?
Zheng was driving north on I-71 between exits 140 and 151 around 1:42 a.m. when his car was involved in a two-vehicle accident. After pulling over, he stepped out and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. Despite efforts by first responders, Zheng succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
- Victim: Hua Zheng, 44, of Brooklyn, New York
- Location: Interstate 71, between exits 140 and 151, Harmony Township, Morrow County, Ohio
- Time: Approximately 1:42 a.m. on Dec. 19, 2025
- Suspect Vehicle: Believed to be a Chevrolet with front-end damage
- Agency Involved: Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP)
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the OSHP at 740-363-1392. The investigation is ongoing.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from driver distraction, poor visibility, or attempts to avoid legal repercussions. In this case, the fleeing driver left Zheng without aid, highlighting the dangers pedestrians face on highways.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities rose in recent years, with 2,304 such deaths reported in the first half of 2024 alone. Factors like road conditions, lighting, and speed contribute significantly.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths (First Half 2024) |
2,304 |
GHSA Report |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities (Average) |
About 7,500 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Hit-and-Run Involvement in Pedestrian Crashes |
About 20% |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Legal Insights
Newsline's national legal analysts provide perspective on pedestrian accidents and the importance of thorough investigations.
“In cases such as this, having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined. An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
- Drivers must remain at the scene of a hit-and-run and notify authorities to avoid criminal charges.
- Pedestrians are vulnerable on roadways, and drivers have a duty to yield and stay alert.
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for losses including income, companionship, and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic accident. An attorney can help guide families through this process while ensuring fair compensation from insurers.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).