edestrian struck by 18-wheeler on Upper East Side as vehicle failed to stop
March 20, 2026 | Manhattan, NY
A 44-year-old pedestrian lost his life in a hit-and-run incident on Manhattan's Upper East Side early Friday morning.
Terill Jenkins, 44, died after being struck by a tractor-trailer in a hit-and-run at Lexington Avenue and East 61st Street in Manhattan.
What Happened in the Crash?
Terill Jenkins was walking near the intersection of Lexington Avenue and East 61st Street around 4:30 a.m. when a tractor-trailer struck him. The driver, Vincent Spano, 33, fled the scene without stopping. Jenkins received medical attention at a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Approximately three hours after the collision, Spano arrived at an NYPD precinct in Brooklyn, stating he believed he might have hit an object. Authorities quickly linked him to the incident and took him into custody on charges including leaving the scene of a fatal accident and failure to exercise due care.
- Date and Time: Friday, March 20, approximately 4:30 a.m.
- Location: Lexington Avenue and East 61st Street, Manhattan, NY
- Victim: Terill Jenkins, 44, pedestrian
- Vehicle Involved: 18-wheeler tractor-trailer
- Driver: Vincent Spano, 33, arrested
- Outcome: Jenkins pronounced dead at the hospital, Spano charged
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Persist in New York City?
Hit-and-run incidents pose a significant threat to public safety in urban areas like New York City. According to NYPD reports, these crashes affect pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists annually.
In 2024, over 5,000 hit-and-run collisions led to injuries, with more than 40 resulting in deaths. Factors such as poor visibility, heavy traffic, and driver negligence contribute to these tragedies.
Year |
Hit-and-Run Incidents |
Injuries Reported |
Fatalities |
|---|
2022 |
4,500+ |
4,200+ |
35 |
2023 |
4,800+ |
4,500+ |
38 |
2024 |
5,000+ |
4,700+ |
40+ |
Data sourced from NYPD annual reports and Federal Highway Administration statistics.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough investigations in hit-and-run cases to establish accountability.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney promptly to protect a victim’s rights,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
- Prompt legal action can uncover hidden evidence like surveillance footage or witness statements.
- Negligence factors, including vehicle maintenance and driver behavior, must be evaluated.
- Families deserve support to navigate complex claims processes.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
The family of Terill Jenkins could pursue a wrongful death claim to address losses such as companionship and emotional distress. Such claims help hold responsible parties accountable in motor vehicle crashes.
How Can Families Seek Justice After a Fatal Crash?
Pursuing justice requires engaging professionals familiar with local laws and procedures. Newsline encourages affected individuals to consult resources for guidance on next steps.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience in commercial trucking accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you need legal support.
(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).