Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

UPDATE 12/18: Columbia Student Struck By Hit & Run Driver Is Discharged From Hospital

A quick update on yesterday’s post about a Columbia University student involved in a hit & run incident at Broadway & 106th eary Sunday morning.

The Columbia Spectator identified the victim as junior Peyton Bell (class of 2013). He was transferred from St. Luke’s to Columbia-Presbyterian yesterday, although there’s no word on his current condition, described as “critical” after the incident. Per The Spectator:

Bell, 20, is a philosophy and economics major from Mercer Island, Wash. He is a flanker for the rugby team and one of the leaders of the 2011-12 Philosophy Forum.

The NY Post added that Bell “earned All-Ivy honorable mention this year for Columbia’s rugby club.” Per The Post:

“He’s a good kid and one of my best players,” said Hayden James, the team’s coach. “He’s an unbelievable kid.”

As for the intersection where the accident occurred — the same spot where 32-year-old Daniela D’Ercole was struck and killed almost exactly one month earlier — The Post spoke to Upper West Sider Paul Rodgers, who lives above the intersection:

“[Drivers] are trying to beat the light, and they speed,” said Rodgers, 60. “Cars have no respect for pedestrians.”

The driver of the Mercedes that struck Bell is still on the loose, after having fled the scene and pretty much leaving Bell for dead.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, texting TIP577 to CRIMES, or by going to NYPDCrimStoppers.com — all tips are confidential.

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Tags: 106 & Broadway, Broadway & 106, Columbia, Columbia student, Crime, Daniela D’Ercole, gray Mercedes, Hit and Run, New York City, NYC, NYPD, Peyton Bell, Police, rugby, Upper West Side, UWS, victim