A routine walk to work turned tragic early Thursday morning when a 48-year-old woman was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle that fled the scene in University City. Philadelphia Police say the fatal hit-and-run occurred just before 4:30 a.m. at the busy intersection of 33rd and Market streets, directly on Drexel University’s campus.
Authorities identified the victim as Meaza Brown, a South Philadelphia resident who was heading to work with three co-workers when the crash occurred. According to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small, Brown and her colleagues were lawfully crossing Market Street when a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed barreled into her. The impact was so forceful that Brown was thrown several hundred feet.
“She was hit with such force that she was launched out of her sneakers,” Small said, describing the devastating scene.
Emergency responders rushed Brown to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at approximately 4:45 a.m. Her co-workers, though shaken, were uninjured and provided critical information to investigators.
Police say the vehicle did not slow down or stop. After striking Brown, the driver continued eastbound toward 30th Street Station without attempting to render aid.
Working quickly, investigators reviewed surveillance cameras from nearby buildings and SEPTA stations, which provided a clear description of the car: a silver Chrysler 300. Officers also obtained a license plate number from the video footage.
By midday, police announced a significant development. Around noon, officers located a silver Chrysler 300 believed to be the vehicle involved. It was found parked near 34th and Race streets, just a few blocks from the crash site. Detectives have since secured the vehicle as evidence.
As of early afternoon Thursday, police had not yet made an arrest, though investigators said the case is progressing. The driver, they say, will likely face serious charges once identified and taken into custody.
Brown’s death has sent shockwaves through both the University City community and among early-morning workers in the area. With classes beginning later in the morning, student foot traffic was light at the time of the crash, but many on campus expressed alarm at the speed of vehicles that routinely travel Market Street during the early hours.
Investigators are urging anyone with additional information or footage to contact Philadelphia Police.
As the search for the driver continues, Brown’s family, friends, and co-workers are left grieving a sudden and senseless loss—one that could have been avoided had the driver stopped. Police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
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