**Philadelphia Police Seek Public’s Help in Locating Driver in Fatal Hit-and-Run of 77-Year-Old Dorothea Cathell**

Philadelphia police are asking for the public’s help in locating the driver of a black Infiniti who is responsible for the fatal hit-and-run death of 77-year-old Dorothea Cathell of West Philadelphia.

The grandmother was killed near 54th and Lancaster while returning from the local ShopRite, where she had purchased a cartful of Halloween decorations. Cathell, a South Philadelphia High School graduate and former hospitality professional according to social media, died Friday evening at Lankenau Medical Center.

Police reported that the driver, who struck Cathell before dropping off a female passenger at a pizza shop located at 56th and Girard Avenue, was driving a Q50 Infiniti. The vehicle is described as having cracked molding on the front bumper and grille, denting on the hood, and a broken windshield.

A photo of the driver’s profile shows an African-American male with a medium dark complexion.

This incident marks the second hit-and-run involving an elderly person this past weekend, according to authorities. In a separate event, a 72-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a Dodge Ram in Northeast Philadelphia near the 3500 block of Ryan Street. The pedestrian was hit while crossing the street. The driver sped off but was later arrested in Mayfair on DUI charges. The victim succumbed to her injuries Saturday at Jefferson Hospital after remaining in critical condition.

The Philadelphia Police Department urges anyone with information about the Infiniti vehicle or the driver involved in Cathell’s death to contact the Crash Investigation Division at 215-685-3180 or call 911. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling or texting the PPD tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

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**Family Remembers 14-Year-Old Dawn Watson on Anniversary of Tragic Hit-and-Run**

The family of 14-year-old Dawn Watson of Overbrook paused recently to remember her on the anniversary of her tragic death in West Philadelphia. Watson was struck and killed by a speeding hit-and-run driver on the 6500 block of Haverford Avenue on September 26, 2024, while walking with her mother.

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**Upcoming Event: 2025 Most Influential African Americans Celebration**

The Philadelphia Tribune hosted its annual 2025 Most Influential African Americans event on Thursday evening, September 18, 2025. The event celebrates and honors Black Philadelphians making significant impacts throughout the region.

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**Contact and Additional Information**

For inquiries or to submit tips related to the hit-and-run cases, please contact:

– Philadelphia Police Crash Investigation Division: 215-685-3180
– Emergency: 911
– Anonymous Tips: 215-686-TIPS (8477)

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Thank you for staying informed and helping to keep our community safe.
https://www.phillytrib.com/hit-and-run-accidents-claim-lives-of-two-elderly-women-over-the-weekend/article_cbccb7f8-ca94-4566-9349-1b52453d6d99.html