A 54-year-old cyclist was struck and killed in a hit-and-run on a West Philadelphia street early Saturday morning. The incident, which took place at 3:44 a.m. on the corner of North 56th Street and Lancaster Avenue, has left the neighborhood and the local biking community in shock.
Who Was June Rodriguez?
June Rodriguez was a longtime employee of Bob and Barbara’s Lounge in Center City. The lounge posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing him as a “June of all trades.” The post highlighted his many roles:
- Long-standing member of the drag-show DJ team
- Solo feature nights in the booth
- Door-greeting and security work
- Barback shifts and learning bar-tending skills
The lounge’s words painted a picture of a man who was “gracious and willing to do whatever he could for this bar and for all that crossed his path.” Rodriguez also worked as a DJ for other house parties in the Philly area.
The Incident
According to police, the crash happened when a red SUV, possibly a Jeep Grand Cherokee, struck Rodriguez as he tried to turn left southbound onto North 56th Street. Both the cyclist and the SUV were traveling westbound on Lancaster Avenue before the turn. The SUV appeared to swerve, then continued westbound and fled the scene.
Rodriguez was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:47 a.m. The police have not confirmed whether speed was a factor, but neighbors told NBC10 that drivers often speed down that section of Lancaster Avenue.
Community Response
Friends and family held a vigil for Rodriguez at Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown on Sunday. The gathering featured music and memories of the DJ events he hosted. Rodriguez’s brother, Moise, spoke to NBC10, expressing frustration over the lack of information:
> “It’s ridiculous,” he said. “I don’t understand how we don’t know not even the license plate of the vehicle when there’s cameras everywhere and nobody’s even come forward to say that they know about this is pretty sad.”
The lounge’s post also promised updates of memorials to come.
Police Investigation
The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating the crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or anonymously online. The investigation is focused on identifying the driver and any contributing factors.
Cycling Safety Context
Philly Bike Action, a local bicyclist activist group, noted that Rodriguez was the seventh cyclist killed by a motorist this year. That number represents an increase from the three total deaths recorded in 2024.
The incident has reignited discussions about cyclist safety on Lancaster Avenue and the broader West Philadelphia corridor. Residents are calling for clearer signage, better lighting, and stricter enforcement of speed limits.
Key Takeaways
- June Rodriguez, a 54-year-old DJ and bar employee, was killed in a hit-and-run at 3:44 a.m. on North 56th & Lancaster.
- A red SUV, possibly a Jeep Grand Cherokee, struck him during a left turn and fled the scene.
- The incident is the seventh cyclist fatality in the city this year, up from three in 2024.
- Police are investigating; anyone with information can contact 215-686-TIPS.
The loss of June Rodriguez has left a void in both the local nightlife scene and the biking community. As investigators work to uncover the driver’s identity, the neighborhood remains united in mourning and in its demand for accountability.
Closing Thoughts
The tragedy of June Rodriguez’s death underscores the fragility of life for cyclists on city streets. It also highlights the urgent need for continued advocacy, improved road safety measures, and swift justice for those responsible for such preventable loss.
