A 20-year-old Temple University student in Philadelphia for a summer internship was killed late Wednesday night in a violent hit-and-run crash along Kelly Drive, authorities said. The victim, Bryce Wolfe, had just wrapped up his sophomore year at Temple's Fox School of Business. Police say he was riding a motorcycle when a vehicle struck him, and he was later found dislodged near Fountain Green Drive.
Investigators say the collision happened at around 11:15 p.m. when a white SUV attempted an illegal turn onto Reservoir Drive and crossed directly into Wolfe's path. Police say the driver kept going and dragged Wolfe for more than a mile before he became dislodged. Detectives are asking the public to help identify the vehicle and have urged local body shops to watch for a white SUV with driver's-side damage, according to 6ABC.
"We were robbed of seeing our son achieve his ultimate goals in life. We were robbed," Wolfe's mother, Lori Wolfe, said. His father, Clarence Wolfe III, asked how anyone could "drag a human being underneath their car for over a mile and not stop," according to 6ABC.
What investigators say
Police describe the striking vehicle as a white sport-utility vehicle that may have broken glass on the driver's side and damage to the driver's-side front wheel well, fender or door. Investigators have not confirmed whether city cameras captured the collision and are urging anyone with footage, dashcam or other information to come forward.
Traffic safety in context
Advocates say hit-and-runs have become a serious problem in Philadelphia, and corridors like Kelly Drive appear on the city's High Injury Network. WHYY reported that fatal hit-and-runs have risen in recent years, and the city's Vision Zero annual report lays out steps to reduce traffic deaths and target high-injury corridors, per Vision Zero.
How to report tips
Philadelphia police asked anyone with information to call the department's tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or to call 911 in an emergency. The department's contact information is available on the Philadelphia Police website, per Philadelphia Police.
Legal implications
Under Pennsylvania law, a driver who leaves the scene of an accident that causes death or personal injury can face criminal charges under Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, including provisions that cover accidents involving death or personal injury. The statute includes enhanced penalties when a death results, and prosecutors may pursue related charges in addition to hit-and-run offenses, according to Title 75.
Remembering Wolfe
Friends and family said Wolfe worked two jobs to help pay for school and rent while he pursued the internship that brought him to the city for the summer. The family has appealed to anyone with information, however small it may seem, to come forward so they can find closure.
