Skip to main content

Welcome to the new home of Lehigh Valley Public Media.

If you’re looking for LehighValleyNews.com, you’re in the right place — welcome to Lehigh Valley Public Media, your source for trusted local news, newsletters, and community connection.
Bethlehem

Passenger identified, driver missing in Central Boulevard fatal crash, Bethlehem police say

Bethlehem police say the driver in a fatal crash Sunday on Central Boulevard left the scene and has yet to be located. A passenger died after being taken to the hospital in another vehicle.

bethlehem-police-car
Bethlehem Police say the driver in a fatal crash Sunday on Central Boulevard left the scene. The passenger, Ezequiel Hernandez-Cartagena, died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Sponsorship

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — City police say the driver in a fatal crash Sunday that killed a 20-year-old Allentown resident left the scene and has yet to be located.

Officers responded at 6:53 p.m. to the 700 block of Central Boulevard, according to a release from Capt. Nicholas Lechman.

When they arrived, they located a single vehicle that struck a utility pole.

The vehicle had severe damage and officers were unable to locate a driver or any passengers, the release said.

A short time later, police were notified a man later identified by the Lehigh County Coroner's Office as Ezequiel Hernandez-Cartagena had been transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg with injuries that appeared to be from a vehicle crash.

Hernandez-Cartagena succumbed to his injuries at 8:05 p.m.,
according to the coroner's office. An autopsy Monday determined the cause of death was blunt force injuries from a motor vehicle crash.

The manner of death was ruled accidental.

Hernandez-Cartagena was believed to have been a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash, authorities said.

As of Monday morning, police still were trying to locate the driver.

Bethlehem Police are asking anyone with information to call 610-865-7000 or email BethlehemPolice@bethlehem-pa.gov. Anonymous information can also be provided to a tip line at 610-691-6660.

The Lehigh County District Attorney's Office and Lehigh County coroner are assisting with the investigation.

Share
Sponsorship