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UPDATE: Newark Man Struck by Hit-and-Run Vehicle While Riding Bike Dies

Newark

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is on the search for the driver of a vehicle who fatally struck a Newark bicyclist in late July.

The family of Mr. Wendell (Karriem) Brunson, 61, of Avon Avenue in Newark, has confirmed his death after they said he made some progress in the hospital through the summer.

According to police, **[the incident happened in the late evening hours of July 27th ](https://www.rlsmedia.com/article/update-severe-injuries-61-year-old-man-struck-hit-and-run-driver-newark)** where a speeding vehicle struck Brunson near 694 South 17th Street then sped away from the scene.

When EMS arrived, they rushed Mr. Brunson to University Hospital, where his injuries were listed as life-threatening with multiple broken bones and a brain injury, according to his family.

"My dad died from complications from his injuries on Monday night after fighting for his life through the summer," Brunson's daughter told RLS Media.

On the night of the incident, South 17th Street residents reported that during the duration of the evening, several vehicles - they believe were stolen - sped recklessly through the neighborhood.

One of the cars that residents say was racing through the neighborhood was a dark red Durango.

"There was no police chase happening, these guys do this all the time around here. They speed up and down the streets, just for the fun of it. This is the first time something like this has happened," residents said.

Newark Police officials later confirmed with RLS Media that Mr. Brunson was struck by a Jeep Cherokee (no license plate) around 8:30 p.m.

The driver remains at-large and faces homicide charges when captured by police.

The incident remains under investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

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