Ben Simmons' Cousin Zachary Dies in Hit-and-Run at Age 21
Zachary Simmons, the cousin of Philadelphia 76ers No. 1 draft pick Ben Simmons, was struck and killed by a black SUV in a hit-and-run around 3:30 a.m. ET on Saturday in Hoboken, New Jersey, police told CBS New York.
He was 21 years old.
Zachary Simmons' mother, Monique Steele, told CBS New York's Steve Langford that "police told her the car was going at least 70 mph."
On Saturday, Ben Simmons tweeted out a picture with Zachary from Thursday night's NBA draft:
"#ripZacharySimmons pic.twitter.com/3MXEOn0xTW
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) June 26, 2016"
The LSU product tweeted out two other messages upon hearing the news:
"Hearing the news this morning is a reminder to never forget the important things in life.
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) June 26, 2016"
"I'm glad I could share this moment in my life with you. Rest in peace Cuzzo . Much love Zachary Simmons #rip
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) June 26, 2016"
According to CBS New York, Steele said Zachary Simmons was out Friday evening celebrating a friend's birthday. The day prior, he was in New York with Ben Simmons to hear his name called at the Barclays Center.
"He had just went to the NBA draft for his first cousin—No. 1 draft pick," Steele said, per CBS New York.
No suspects have been named, but CBS New York reported that "police are looking for a black Cadillac Escalade, Yukon or Tahoe, which may have New York plates."
