Zachary Simmons, 21, was crossing Willow Ave. at Sixth St. about 3:30 a.m. Saturday when he was struck by a black SUV that sped away from the scene, authorities said.
The impact propelled Simmons’ body into the rear of a parked car, and he was pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center at 4:25 a.m., authorities said.
Cops were hunting for the driver Saturday night.
“Hearing the news this morning is a reminder to never forget the important things in life,” Ben Simmons tweeted Saturday night.
The 19-year-old Aussie native, selected first by the Philadelphia 76ers, later posted a photo from the draft at Barclays Center showing him standing beside Zachary.
“I'm glad I could share this moment in my life with you,” Ben Simmons wrote. “Rest in peace Cuzzo. Much love Zachary Simmons #rip.”
Zachary Simmons was reportedly at a friend’s birthday party in the hours before he was mowed down.
“To be speeding enough to kill my child is beyond me,” his mother Monique Steele told CBS 2.
Police were initially looking for a black Cadillac Escalade, but have widened the search to “large black SUVs” such as GMC Yukons and Chevy Tahoes, according to Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari.
The vehicle involved in the crash is believed to have New York plates.
“Investigators are analyzing pieces of the suspect vehicle and video footage at this time,” Schillari said.
The accident rattled Hoboken residents living close to the scene.
“It’s horrible,” Jesse Bradshaw told ABC 7. “It makes me emotional. Why do people drive like that?”
“Guys get hit by cars like twice a week,” he added. “People need to slow down.”
In his first —and only — season at LSU, Simmons, whose father Dave Simmons attended South Bronx High School, averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.
"I'm happy to be part of the family now," Simmons said after he was named the first pick in the draft.
"It's a weight off my chest. I've been looking forward to this day for a while, so I'm glad I've made history, not only for myself but my family and Australian basketball."
By: Thomas Tracy & Rich Schapiro (New York Daily News).
Photo: Philly.
Review: Emerging Market Formulations & Research Unit, FLAGSHIP RECORDS.
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