State Sen. Andrew Gounardes identified the victim as nurse Jiayi Zheng and said she was heading home when she was hit.
Police said Zheng, 28, was struck shortly before 7:40 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of 55th Street and Third Avenue. Investigators said a black Cadillac traveling southbound on Third Avenue hit her as she crossed the street. She suffered severe body trauma and was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital, where she later died.
The driver fled the scene and remained at large as of Sunday. No arrests have been announced.
NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn released a statement mourning Zheng's death:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jiayi Zheng, a nurse at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn," the statement said. "This is a tragic loss, and we extend our sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, and colleagues. Our nurses play an essential role in caring for others with compassion and dedication, and this loss is being felt across our entire community."
Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is urged to contact police.
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