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NEW YORK CITY, Kings County, N.Y., Oct. 19, 2026 — A 46-year-old man died early on Sunday, October 18, after a driver struck him while he was lying in the road on Pitkin Avenue in East New York and then drove off. The driver has not been found.
The crash happened around 1 a.m. near the intersection with Chestnut Street, when a car heading east on Pitkin Avenue hit the man as he lay in the roadway. Medics took him to Brookdale University Hospital, where he died. His name had not been released as of this report.
Investigators said they have not determined whether the driver was aware a person had been struck. They are also still trying to figure out how the man ended up lying in the street before the crash happened. No description of the vehicle or the driver had been released as of Sunday, and police had not said whether they were asking the public for tips.
The case is one of several hit-and-run incidents reported in Brooklyn this month. Officers in a separate case arrested a 22-year-old man earlier in October after a crash on Ocean Parkway that killed a Lyft driver, though that case was resolved within about a week. The Pitkin Avenue investigation remains open, with no arrest announced.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
More Crash News from Kings County
This fatal crash happened on Pitkin Avenue in New York City, NY. For other recent crashes near New York City, NY, visit our Kings County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pedestrian crashes more likely to happen at night?
Reduced visibility and higher vehicle speeds at night make nighttime riskier for people on foot, especially on wide roadways with limited lighting.
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a car?
If possible, move to safety, call 911, and avoid moving an injured person unless there's an immediate danger. Seeking medical evaluation quickly is important even if injuries seem minor at first.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in a marked or unmarked crosswalk once they've entered it, but drivers and pedestrians both carry responsibility for watching traffic signals and road conditions.
What can drivers do to avoid hitting someone in the roadway?
Slowing down in low-light conditions, scanning the full width of the road, and avoiding distractions behind the wheel give drivers more time to spot and react to someone in the street.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash in Brooklyn, NY
Being struck by a vehicle that doesn't stop leaves victims and their families with urgent questions and few immediate answers. If you witness a hit-and-run, try to note the vehicle's color, make, direction of travel, and any part of the license plate, then call 911 right away. For victims or their families, getting a full medical evaluation matters even when injuries aren't immediately obvious, since some internal injuries take time to surface. Filing a police report and requesting the report number helps with any insurance or benefits process that follows. Staying in touch with the investigating precinct for updates, and asking whether surveillance footage from nearby businesses has been pulled, can also help keep a case moving forward.
