Parents Plead for Driver to Come Forward After Teen Skateboarder Hit by 2 Cars

Madison Beal, 19, remains hospitalized with extensive injuries after being struck in a hit-and-run incident in Philadelphia.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered skateboard wheel against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of a hit-and-run collision involving a teenage skateboarder.A shattered skateboard wheel, a stark reminder of the devastating impact of hit-and-run incidents on vulnerable road users.Philadelphia Today

The parents of 19-year-old Madison Beal are pleading for the drivers involved in a hit-and-run incident that left their daughter hospitalized with serious injuries to come forward. Madison was skateboarding with her brother near their home in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood of Philadelphia when she was first struck by a black sedan, then run over by a white SUV. The Beal family is asking any witnesses to contact the authorities as Madison faces a long recovery process.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists are an ongoing problem in many cities, often leaving victims with severe injuries and families seeking justice. This case highlights the trauma and uncertainty faced by victims' families when the perpetrators flee the scene, as well as the importance of community cooperation to help identify those responsible.

The details

According to Madison's father, Travis Beal, the incident occurred last Saturday evening as Madison and her brother were skateboarding near their home. A black sedan first struck Madison, knocking her off her skateboard, and then a white SUV ran her over. Several bystanders stopped to help, but the drivers of both vehicles fled the scene. Beal has been canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance footage to aid the police investigation, which has not yet yielded a vehicle description. Madison suffered extensive injuries, including damage to her vertebrae that will require a long recovery process of 12 to 24 months.

  • The incident occurred last Saturday evening.
  • Madison remains hospitalized as of April 18, 2026.

The players

Madison Beal

A 19-year-old high school senior who was struck by two vehicles while skateboarding in her Philadelphia neighborhood.

Travis Beal

Madison's father, who is pleading for the drivers involved to come forward and is assisting the police investigation.

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What they’re saying

“What do I do for the next week, month and year to try and put everything in place?”

— Travis Beal, Madison's father

“I do want to say something, I hope they catch whoever hit me because that was rude just leaving me.”

— Madison Beal

What’s next

The crash investigation division is continuing to investigate the incident, and Madison's parents are urging any witnesses to come forward with information that could help identify the drivers involved.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run case underscores the need for improved road safety measures, increased driver accountability, and stronger community cooperation to protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. Madison's long road to recovery highlights the lasting impact of such incidents on victims and their families.