A Twitch streamer attempting to walk from Philadelphia to California was struck by a car while live on stream, with the disturbing moment now being widely shared online.
Isaiah Thomas, known online as ‘Hmblzayy,’ was broadcasting as he walked along Interstate 40 in Indiana when the collision happened.
The incident occurred on Day 34 of his planned 100-day journey, a trek that spans roughly 3,000 miles from Philadelphia to California.
Thomas has said he’s taking on the challenge to raise $200,000 for ‘HMBL University,’ a trade-focused program aimed at high school graduates who can’t afford University. Despite the crash, he has stressed that he still intends to complete the walk.
In the circulating clip, he is seen walking on the right-hand side of the road wearing a high-visibility vest. A blue Mazda was driving behind him, appearing to act as a buffer from passing traffic.
Moments later, the Mazda was hit from behind by another vehicle, and the impact sent the streamer to the ground.
Thomas then stood back up, and police arrived around 20 minutes later. He told officers it was a ‘good thing he had his back brace on’.
He was later taken to hospital to be evaluated and was given a neck brace, which he showed in a subsequent Instagram video.
Speaking to followers while lying in a hospital bed, Thomas said: “Appreciate everybody that’s checking on me. God is the greatest, I’m good.
“They’re just running some tests right now but we’ll be back live streaming very soon. But we’re going to finish this race, we’re not going to let the devil win!” he told his 237k followers.
“We’re going to make sure we carry on this marathon that God put me on. God is the greatest, I’m alive, and that’s all that matters!”
Support poured in under his post, with one person writing: “Praying for you in completing your mission.”
Another commented: “God bless you’re well! keep going! Get your rest first!” while a third added: “Praying for ur continued safety and recovery.”
As of the time of writing, Thomas has raised $46k toward his $200k target on GoFundMe.
In his fundraiser description, he explains: “I wasn’t able to continue college after my sophomore year because my parents couldn’t afford it.
“Now, I want to create opportunities for teens who are facing the same barriers I once did.”