Authorities in Philadelphia are investigating a tragic hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 48-year-old Meaza Brown early Thursday morning on Drexel University’s campus. The deadly incident happened shortly after 4 a.m. along the 3300 block of Market Street, a busy area often used by employees and students heading to work during the early hours. Police say a silver Chrysler 300 with dark tinted windows was speeding eastbound when it ignored a red light and struck Brown as she crossed the street in a marked crosswalk.
According to investigators, Brown was walking with coworkers when the speeding vehicle entered the intersection without stopping. The car came dangerously close to hitting the others beside her, but Brown was directly in its path. The violent impact sent her several hundred feet down Market Street, showing just how fast the driver was traveling. Witnesses watched in shock as the driver continued speeding away, never stopping to check on the victim or call for help.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Brown to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. She suffered multiple traumatic injuries and severe internal bleeding as a result of the crash. Despite the efforts of doctors and nurses, she was pronounced dead at 4:59 a.m., less than an hour after the collision. Loved ones and community members are mourning her loss, describing the incident as both heartbreaking and senseless.
Detectives are now working urgently to locate the driver responsible. The vehicle involved was last seen fleeing eastbound on Market Street. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings, collecting witness statements, and searching for additional video that may reveal the car’s movements before or after the crash. The department has released a description of the vehicle and is urging the public to help identify the person behind the wheel.
For residents, students, and workers in University City, the hit-and-run has raised deep concerns about roadway safety. Market Street is heavily traveled in the early morning hours, and police stressed that the driver’s decision to speed through a red light created an extremely dangerous situation for anyone using the crosswalk. Community members fear that without swift action, similar tragedies could occur again.
The Philadelphia Police Department is asking anyone with information—no matter how small—to contact them at 215-686-8477. Callers may remain anonymous. As the investigation continues, the community remembers Meaza Brown and hopes that justice will soon be served for the reckless act that claimed her life.
