PHILADELPHIA, PA – Police are searching for a driver who fled on foot after causing a tragic hit-and-run crash that killed a 75-year-old man in South Philadelphia on Saturday night.
The Fatal Collision
The incident occurred just after 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the intersection of South 11th and Federal streets.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, a white 2013 Ford F-250 van was traveling northbound when the driver lost control. The speeding van slammed into a legally parked, unoccupied Chevrolet Express van.
Victim Pinned Between Vehicles
At the time of the impact, 75-year-old John McDermott of Philadelphia was standing between the parked Chevrolet van and a parked Land Rover. The force of the collision pushed the Chevrolet forward, pinning McDermott against the Land Rover.
Surveillance video obtained from the scene captured McDermott walking down the street just moments before the violent crash occurred.
Driver Flees on Foot
Witnesses and police reports indicate that the driver of the Ford F-250 initially attempted to help McDermott. However, after realizing the severity of the situation, the driver fled the scene on foot.
Investigators state the suspect was last seen running southbound on South 11th Street before turning eastbound onto Latona Street.
Emergency responders rushed McDermott to a nearby hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his severe injuries.
Police Appeal for Information
The crash site remained closed for hours as detectives collected evidence, leaving glass and heavy debris scattered across the road. No arrests have been made yet.
Authorities are urging anyone with surveillance footage or information about the fleeing driver to contact Philadelphia Police immediately.
