Man dies in hit-and-run on freewayy

HOUSTON – Part of a busy freeway is closed for hours on New Year's Eve after a pickup truck fatally hits the driver of a disabled car, investigators said.

Harris County sheriff's deputies said Joshua Kirkland was driving a Corvette at a high rate of speed in the westbound lanes of the Northwest Freeway near Jones Road about 2 a.m.

Kirkland hit the retaining wall and his vehicle became disabled in a moving lane of traffic, officials said.

Detectives said Kirkland got out of the car, but was hit by a passing pickup truck.

Kirkland was taken to North Cypress Hospital, where he died.

Investigators said the driver of the pickup truck ran away. Deputies have not released any information, including a description, about the driver.

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