Manhattan Chef Killed in Union Square Hit and Run

The executive chef at Murray Hill’s Hill and Bay died Tuesday after a hit-and-run in Union Square. Adrian Blanc, 34, was in a crosswalk on East 14th Street after his shift on Monday night when an SUV struck him while turning left onto Union Square East, NBC reports.

The accident was caught on video, below, reportedly showing the driver clipping Blanc and dragging him a few feet before speeding off. CBS adds that police have found the Jeep Renegade — which was a Zipcar rental — but the driver is still at large. They are combing the car for fingerprints.

Blanc was set to be married next month in Venezuela, according to his brother Agner Blanc.

The all-day American comfort food restaurant is popular in the neighborhood especially for its takeout coffee and smoothie window.

Update: Hill and Bay’s parent restaurant group shared a statement with Eater:

This is truly a great loss for the E.E. Hospitality family.

100% of the sales of Tali & Tali Dolce over the next 48 hours (Thursday, November 16- Friday, November 17) will be donated to the family of our beloved chef, Adrian Blanc.

Adrian was immensely talented. He was a dedicated worker and devoted family member. He was incredibly kind and loving. He had a heart of gold and he genuinely cared about all of his co-workers. He had an infectious laugh and being around him just made you feel good. He lived life to the fullest and did it with a smile. He started with us at Hill and Bay and made an extraordinary contribution. Now it is thriving. Adrian then joined our new restaurant Tali to work his magic, and he was making it happen, always with a smile.

As one of our team members eloquently said "You were a beautiful person, a talented chef, a loving son and most important, a great friend."

We stand with your family in these most difficult time as Adrian was part of our family.

You will be missed and we will forever admire and love you.

-Team E.E. Hospitality

Blanc’s brother has set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs. Anyone with information about the driver can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

• NYPD Hunts for Driver Who Hit, Killed Chef in Union Square [NBC]
• Police Sources: Jeep Found, But Suspect Still At Large In Deadly Union Square Hit-And-Run [CBS]