Bronx husband and father of 3 killed by hit-and-run driver while walking across the street

MOTT HAVEN, Bronx (WABC) -- Police are searching for a hit and run driver after a man crossing the street was struck and killed in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx Monday morning.

There is sadness and there are plenty of tears for a family friend and neighbor.

"Loving father, loving neighbor, loving friend to everyone. His wife is devastated upstairs. All we want is the one who did this to get caught," said Marivel Alicea, a family friend.

47-year old Thomas Kirby, a husband and father of three, was heading back to his apartment when he crossed Bruckner Boulevard at Willis Avenue.

That's where he was struck and killed, police say, by the driver of a van who then kept going, not even stopping.

"He was a loving, caring father. He did sports with his kids. Anything he was doing he was always with his wife and kids," said Michael Alicea, a family friend.

The intersection, to those who live in this area, is described as dangerous, too many cars and trucks, residents say, speed through this well-traveled street.

By the afternoon, police were pulling over a number of drivers.

"Flying through here, disregarding the traffic signals, it's a really dangerous intersection," a resident said.

"Maybe a speed bump to slow down the cars, whatever. I don't know," another resident said.

Six people, according to the Vision Zero website, have been struck by cars this year alone in the area.

"That's why we need cameras under the bridge and outside the bridge and at the corner. We've been fighting for it for four years," Marivel said.

But now Marivel and her friends, sadly are there placing a memorial of candles and flowers to honor their friend.

"It's hurting. It's hurting deep inside. Everybody is supporting the family," Marivel said.

No arrests have been made.

Police are continuing to investigate the crash.