MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio — Family, friends, and the community are mourning the loss of 44-year-old Hua Zheng of Brooklyn, New York, who passed away early Friday morning after being struck in a hit-skip crash on Interstate 71 in Morrow County.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 1:42 a.m. between exits 140 and 151 in Harmony Township. Investigators said Zheng had been involved in a separate two-vehicle crash prior to the fatal collision and had stopped along the roadway. While outside his vehicle, he was struck by a passing vehicle believed to be a Chevrolet with front-end damage. The vehicle did not stop following the crash.
Zheng was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information about a vehicle matching the description to contact the Mount Gilead Post at (740) 363-1392.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including Morrow County EMS, Big Walnut Joint Fire District, the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morrow County Coroner’s Office.
Hua Zheng’s sudden and tragic passing has left loved ones and the community in shock. Friends and family remember him as a valued individual whose life was taken far too soon. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash.