Cyclist, Pedestrian Killed In Separate Hit-And-Run Crashes: Philadelphia Police

PHILADELPHIA — A cyclist and a pedestrian were killed in separate hit-and-run crashes over the weekend in Philadelphia, according to police.

June Rodriguez, 54, died in a crash that happened at about 3:44 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of North 56th Street and Lancaster Avenue. Rodriguez was a longtime DJ at Bob and Barbara's Lounge.

"A very special soul that was taken too early by a careless act but we will not let him be left behind," the establishment said on social media. "In good times or bad, June was always sure to express his appreciation and his heart. Not many are lucky enough to be so in touch with how they feel as well as have the courage to express it like he did. His passion for music radiated through every part of his life and he created an expansive and diverse community through his art."

Police said Rodriguez was riding a bicycle east on Lancaster Avenue at that time, and a vehicle, possibly a red Jeep Cherokee, was heading east on the same road.

The vehicle was following Rodriguez on the bike, and when Rodriguez went to turn left to head south on North 56th Street, the vehicle struck him, police said.

After striking Rodriguez, the vehicle swerved, then kept going west on Lancaster Avenue, according to police.

Rodriguez was taken to Lankenau Hospital, where died 4:47 a.m.

Police are investigating the fatal incident.

At about 8:56 p.m. Friday, a 63-year-old woman was fatally struck by a vehicle at Whitaker and Wyoming avenues, police said.

According to authorities, a vehicle heading north on Whitaker struck the woman, who was in a crosswalk at Wyoming.

After striking the woman, the vehicle's driver got out and looked at the woman, then drove off, heading north on Whitaker, police said.

The vehicle, a 2012 white Infiniti M37, was later found unoccupied in the area of A/Louden Streets.

The pedestrian was taken to Temple Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at 9:34 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing with the Crash Investigation Division.

Anyone who has information on these two deadly crashes should contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-8477.