A rideshare passenger was killed in a hit-and run on Saturday evening after a two-vehicle crash near the southern border of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco police said.
The incident occurred shortly before 7:34 p.m., when police responded to a report of a collision between a red-orange Honda SUV operating as an Uber and a black Audi SUV at 46th Avenue and Lincoln Way, just a few blocks east of the Murphy Windmill and Ocean Beach. The passenger, who was in the backseat of the Honda at the time of the incident, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to San Francisco General Hospital where he later died.
Investigators discovered the Audi had been reported stolen in San Francisco on Jan. 12. The driver fled the scene before police arrived.
The victim was identified as Barry McGrath, 38, a resident of San Francisco who was originally from Galway, Ireland. The San Francisco Gaelic Athletic Association described him as “a highly regarded member of the Bay Area Irish community,” noting his involvement as a treasurer and chairperson of the organization’s board. He was also active in San Francisco Sons of Boru, a football club, and St. Joseph’s Hurling Club in Silicon Valley.
“SFGAA are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Barry McGrath,” the organization said in a Facebook post. “As we begin to process this tragic news, we will keep you informed as we receive further updates. We ask you to keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”
The driver of the vehicle transporting McGrath was also taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition, police said.
“Our thoughts are with Barry’s family after this reckless and heartbreaking incident," a spokesperson for Uber told SFGATE in an email. "We hope the driver makes a full recovery and police arrest the person responsible.”
The events leading up to the collision are currently under investigation. The San Francisco Police Department’s traffic collision investigation unit is asking for the public’s help in locating the driver of the Audi. The suspect was described as a bald white male who appeared to be about 45 years old and just over six feet tall. Police are also seeking assistance in finding any witnesses or video surveillance footage that could further aid in the investigation.
People with information are encouraged to contact the San Francisco Police Department’s anonymous tip line by calling 415-575-4444 or texting TIP411 with “SFPD” at the beginning of the message.
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