19-Year-Old Man Killed in Front of His Brother by Hit-and-Run Driver Crossing ‘Deadly’ Houston Freeway: Police

A 19-year-old man died in front of his brother in a hit-and-run crash after the pair tried to cross a freeway in Houston, Texas on foot, police have confirmed.

On Monday, Dec. 16. at approximately 9:55 p.m. local time, the teenager was struck after trying to walk across 7301 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45), Houston Police Department (HPD) said in a release.

“The identity of the deceased male, 19, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences,” the release stated.

The victim had been attempting to cross the road with his brother, who saw his sibling get hit, per KTRK, citing Houston police.

The brother had reportedly tried to stop his sibling from crossing the freeway, according to local Housten news outlet KPRC 2.

“The male was on the east side of the freeway, attempting to cross multiple lanes on foot,” the police release said, citing HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant D. Rose and Officer D. Thompson.

“He ran into a moving lane of traffic and was struck by an unknown vehicle traveling north. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police added.

The “unknown driver did not stop to render aid and fled the scene,” per the post.

Police recovered a piece of the driver’s vehicle at the scene which could help identify the suspect, according to KPRC 2.

Urging the public to never cross the freeway, Sgt. Rose said, “There is just so much potential for danger there. There is nowhere on 45, one of the deadliest roadways in the United States, to cross safely. There just isn’t,” per KTRK.

“That’s why we have underpasses for pedestrian traffic,” the officer added.

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Police have asked anyone who might be able to help with the case to come forward.

“Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4065 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS,” police said in the release.

Houston Police Department didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for an update or additional information.