Family, friends, and the local community are grieving the death of 44-year-old Hua Zheng from Brooklyn, New York, who died early Friday morning after being involved in a hit-and-run accident on Interstate 71 in Morrow County.

Hua Zheng Brooklyn, New York Vehicle

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that the event took place around 1:42 a.m. between exits 140 and 151 in Harmony Township. Authorities indicated that Zheng had been part of a previous two-car accident before the deadly incident and had parked his vehicle on the side of the road. While he was outside, a passing vehicle, believed to be a Chevrolet with front-end damage, hit him. The vehicle did not stop after the collision.

Zheng was declared dead at the scene.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is calling on anyone who might have seen the incident or has details about a vehicle that fits the description to reach out to the Mount Gilead Post at (740) 363-1392.

Various agencies responded to the scene, including Morrow County EMS, Big Walnut Joint Fire District, the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morrow County Coroner’s Office.

The abrupt and tragic loss of Hua Zheng has left family, friends, and the community in disbelief. Those close to him remember him as a cherished person whose life ended too early. Authorities are still looking into the details surrounding the accident.