Man killed in Hockessin hit-and-run ID'd

HOCKESSIN, Del. (WPVI) -- Police have identified the man who was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash on Sunday night in Hockessin, Delaware.

Jeremiah McCarthy, 34, of Hockessin, was struck in the area of Lancaster Pike at Ace Memorial Drive around 9:28 p.m. Sunday.

Investigators say McCarthy was trying to cross Lancaster Pike when he was hit by a vehicle heading northbound.

There was no description of the striking vehicle.

McCarthy was not crossing at designated crosswalk, police say. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family says McCarthy, a carpenter and father of two, enjoyed rehabbing houses.

"He was kind and good and just and honest," said his father, Jere McCarthy.

McCarthy had just turned 34 and his longtime partner, Angel King, said he loved being with their two kids.

"He was a really great father. He loved to play Legos with his son, loved to cuddle in bed with all of us and watch movies at night," King said.

Shortly before being struck McCarthy was at a nearby VFW Hall. Staffers told his father that he didn't have enough money to buy a drink, apparently telling the bartender he'd be back in 20 minutes.

As for what occurred next, police say they have very little to go on.

Police say there are no witnesses and the little bit of physical evidence is not enough to determine the make and model of the striking vehicle.

McCarthy's grieving loved ones hope whoever is responsible will come forward.

"Contact the Delaware State Police and turn themselves in," Jere McCarthy said. "They did a bad thing, a real bad thing."