NEW YORK — New York City officials and police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a 32-year-old cyclist in Manhattan's Hamilton Heights neighborhood late Friday, as authorities search for the driver of a black Dodge Durango.
The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. near West 151st Street and Amsterdam Avenue, according to the New York Police Department. Police said the vehicle was traveling southbound on Amsterdam Avenue when it struck the bicyclist, who was not immediately identified.
Emergency responders transported the victim to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. NYPD officials described the crash as a hit-and-run, with the driver fleeing the scene without stopping.
"Police are searching for the driver of the Dodge Durango, and the investigation remains ongoing," authorities said in a statement. No arrests have been made, and details about the vehicle's description or possible suspect information were limited as of Saturday.
City officials, including those from the Department of Transportation, have previously emphasized efforts to improve cyclist safety amid a rise in traffic incidents. The crash comes as advocates continue to call for stronger enforcement of traffic laws in upper Manhattan corridors frequently used by cyclists.
Hamilton Heights has seen multiple traffic incidents involving cyclists in recent years. Local community leaders expressed concern over speeding and reckless driving in the area. A spokesperson for the mayor's office said officials are reviewing the latest incident as part of broader road safety initiatives.
"Every life lost on our streets is a tragedy, and we are committed to holding accountable those who flee the scene," a city transportation official said in response to inquiries about the crash.
The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is leading the probe. Witnesses are being sought, and surveillance footage from the area is under review, police said. The department has not released further details on the victim's background or potential charges pending identification of the driver.
This marks another fatal incident involving a cyclist in New York City this year. Data from crash tracking groups indicate hundreds of crashes involving bicyclists annually, though precise citywide figures for 2026 were not immediately available.
As of Saturday afternoon, the investigation continued with no additional updates on the suspect's whereabouts or vehicle recovery. Police urged anyone with information to contact the NYPD.
