Lyft driver, passenger killed in crash during Chatham County chase

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Lyft driver and his passenger were killed late Thursday night when a fleeing vehicle ran a red light and struck their car during a police chase.

SEE: 2 dead after pursuit ends in crash at Savannah intersection

The victim’s friends identified him as Habibullah Azizi, an Afghan immigrant who came to America a few years ago.

“It’s pretty hard coming out of Afghanistan to make your life much better working in America, support your family back in Afghanistan,” said Ejaz Ahmadi, a friend of the victim. “I feel it because he was the only bread winner for his family.”

Chatham County deputies attempted to stop a Chevy Trailblazer late Thursday night. The driver sped off, ran a red light and hit the Lyft driver and his passenger, killing both.

Ahmadi said Azizi’s family in Afghanistan was hopeful he would bring change to their lives.

“His family back in Afghanistan was so happy that at least one of his family members himself made it to America,” Ahmadi said. “And he would bring change in his life, in his whole family’s life.”

Ahmadi said late Thursday night, the victim’s mother called asking if they knew where her son was. The friends started searching and found police who told them to try the emergency room.

“Cops told us that there was a chase scene,” Ahmadi said. “And across the street, he was driving for Lyft. And unfortunately, the chase scene straightaway hit him. Habibullah Azizi and the guy who was a Lyft customer, both are no more with us.”

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office pursuit policy allows officers to initiate a high-speed chase only if the suspect is fleeing from an alleged felony and if the suspect would put the public in danger if they were not caught.

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Ahmadi is asking for the community’s help to send his friend home so his family can say their final goodbyes.

“I plead to every single person who is watching me, who is hearing me, please support his family,” Ahmadi said.