Bicyclist killed in hit-and-run crash on Central Avenue in Phoenix

Driver arrested after allegedly hitting and killing a 26-year-old woman while under the influence of drugs

Feb. 9, 2026 at 3:15pm

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A 46-year-old man driving a commercial van was arrested after he allegedly hit and killed a female bicyclist in south Phoenix on Sunday morning. The driver, identified as Eric Hodge, admitted to taking drugs including fentanyl prior to the incident and said he kept driving because he was on his way to buy more drugs.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving and the dangers it poses to vulnerable road users like bicyclists. It also raises concerns about the need for better infrastructure and safety measures to protect cyclists in urban areas.

The details

According to police, Hodge was heading southbound on Central Avenue when he swerved onto the bicycle lane and sidewalk, rear-ending the 26-year-old bicyclist, Hannah Henry. Hodge allegedly kept driving after the collision. Police were able to identify the vehicle using video footage and arrested Hodge, who admitted to taking drugs before the incident and said he thought he had hit a fire hydrant.

  • The incident occurred just after 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Hodge was arrested and is being held on a $750,000 cash bond on a charge of reckless manslaughter.

The players

Eric Hodge

A 46-year-old man who was driving a commercial van and allegedly hit and killed a bicyclist while under the influence of drugs.

Hannah Henry

A 26-year-old woman who was killed while bicycling on Central Avenue in south Phoenix.

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What’s next

Hodge is being held on a $750,000 cash bond and will face a charge of reckless manslaughter. The case is still under investigation.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for stronger enforcement and education around impaired driving, as well as the importance of improving infrastructure and safety measures to protect cyclists in urban areas.