In a shocking series of events that unfolded early Tuesday morning, 53‑year‑old Francisco Rosario was involved in multiple vehicle crashes before police investigated a possible assault that may have contributed to his death.
The Crashes
According to Philadelphia police, the incident began on the 4500 block of Castor Avenue early on Tuesday, December 2. Rosario was driving a 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck in the wrong direction when he collided with a tree. The crash was severe enough that the vehicle left the scene.
Surveillance footage captured the truck’s next moves. It shows Rosario’s pickup striking seven parked cars on the 1200 block of Adams Avenue. After the series of collisions, the truck again left the area before finally stopping at the intersection of Kinsey and Tackawanna streets.
The Surveillance Footage
The video evidence was crucial in piecing together the sequence of events. It begins with the pickup turning onto Castor Avenue, then abruptly driving the wrong way. The footage later shows the vehicle’s impact with the tree and the subsequent crashes into the parked cars.
At the end of the clip, the truck comes to a stop at Kinsey and Tackawanna. The camera then records Rosario exiting the vehicle. He appears to attempt walking away, but the footage shows him falling unconscious on the road.
The Hospital and Death
Emergency responders arrived on the scene quickly. They transported Rosario to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:26 a.m. that same morning. The official cause of death was not disclosed in the police statement, but the timing and circumstances suggest a direct link to the crashes.
Police Investigation
While the crashes themselves were clear, police are also examining the possibility that Rosario was physically attacked after the vehicle incidents. A separate video from a nearby bodega shows another car pulling up next to the pickup truck. Multiple people exit the vehicle and approach Rosario inside the truck.
The footage stops abruptly after the group speaks with him, leaving a gap that has prompted further inquiry. Police have not confirmed any assault but are continuing to investigate the matter.
Family’s Perspective
Elizabeth Rosario, the victim’s daughter, spoke with NBC10’s Miguel Martinez‑Valle about the events. She revealed that she and her family had seen additional footage that appeared to show someone punching her father before he died.
“I just don’t understand how it goes from a car crash to somebody putting their hands on someone,” Elizabeth Rosario said. “It was three people that got out of the car. But only that one person that put their hands on him and we just want that person to get caught.”
Her statement underscores the family’s frustration and the need for answers. The police are responding to her concerns by keeping the investigation open.
Key Takeaways
- 53‑year‑old Francisco Rosario was involved in multiple crashes on December 2 in Northeast Philadelphia.
- Surveillance video captured the vehicle’s wrong‑way driving, tree collision, and subsequent crashes into parked cars.
- Rosario was transported to Temple University Hospital and pronounced dead at 3:26 a.m.
- Police are investigating a possible assault after the crashes, prompted by bodega video and family testimony.
- The daughter, Elizabeth Rosario, has publicly requested that the assailant be identified and brought to justice.
Closing
The events of that early Tuesday morning have left the Frankford neighborhood and the Rosario family in shock. Police remain committed to uncovering every detail, while the family continues to seek clarity on the circumstances that led to their son’s death. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released further findings.
