A woman died Sunday night after a driver struck her on Harlem River Drive near High Bridge and then fled without stopping, according to police. Officers with the 33rd Precinct found the victim lying on the ground with severe head trauma after responding to a 911 call reporting that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle in the northbound lanes at around 7:30 p.m.
Police say the woman had entered the roadway after climbing over a barrier, putting her directly in the path of highway traffic. She was struck by a driver in a dark-colored sedan, according to police, and taken to Harlem Hospital by EMS, where she later died from her injuries, as reported by amNewYork. The driver left the scene without remaining there, per police, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
Investigators have not determined the victim's age or identity. Investigation sources reported that the victim was known to police as a local drug user, according to the same account, a detail that underscores the vulnerability of people near highway barriers in upper Manhattan.
A Highway Built Without Room for Pedestrians
The stretch of roadway where the woman died is part of Harlem River Drive, which separates North Harlem from the waterfront. The woman was struck after entering the roadway.
It is not the first fatal pedestrian incident along the corridor. In January 2025, a pedestrian was fatally struck while crossing the southbound lanes near East 123rd Street, according to Patch. Just two months ago, 26-year-old motorcyclist Ty Rodriguez was killed in Washington Heights after losing control of his motorcycle and striking a metal guardrail on Harlem River Drive, as Hoodline previously reported.
Fatal Crashes Now Handled by Specialized Highway Unit
Under NYPD protocol, fatal and critical-injury traffic collisions require investigation by the specialized Highway District Collision Investigation Squad, according to the NYPD. Officers from the 33rd Precinct also responded to Sunday's crash. If the driver who fled Sunday's crash is identified, the case could carry serious legal weight. Under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 600(2)(a), leaving the scene of a crash that results in death is classified as a Class D felony, punishable by up to seven years in state prison and fines between $2,000 and $5,000, according to Saland Law attorneys at nydeskappearanceticket.com.
Finding that driver, however, remains the focus of the investigation. No arrest has been made, and investigators have not identified the driver.
Pedestrian Dangers Along Harlem River Drive
The Harlem death highlights the dangers pedestrians face on city roadways.
Access-improvement efforts along the Harlem River waterfront have also been reported, according to NYCEDC.
How to Submit a Tip
Police are asking anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted confidentially to Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, or in Spanish at 888-57-PISTA, according to the NYPD. No arrests have been made as of this report, and the investigation remains ongoing.
