Lyft driver, passenger killed in crash during Chatham County chase, man arrested on multiple charges

by Stephanie Adkisson

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

Lyft driver, passenger killed in crash during Chatham County chase, man arrested on multiple charges

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

The passenger, was identified by family as 19-year-old Trejon Anthony of Chicago.

“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.

Lyft driver, passenger killed in crash during Chatham County chase

“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.”

GoFundMe for 19-year-old Trejohn Anthony, one of the victims who passed as a result of this crash. He was the passenger in the Lyft.

The passenger, Anthony’s family has released the following statement via a GoFundMe:

We are devastated by the loss of my brother, Trejon “Jon-Jon” “Treyvo” Anthony, who tragically passed away on April 23, 2026 at just 19 years old.
He was simply on his way home from work when a high-speed police chase led to a crash that took his life. He was an innocent victim, taken far too soon.
Our family is asking for help to bring him home to Chicago, Illinois from Savannah, Georgia and cover funeral expenses during this difficult time. Any support, whether a donation or a share, means everything to us.
Thank you for helping us honor Trejon and bring him home.
Loved ones of Trejon Anthony

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.

In a statement on GoFundMe, his loved ones said the following:

Habibullah Azizi, a brave and dedicated photojournalist from Afghanistan who had been living in Savannah, Georgia, tragically lost his life in a traffic accident on April 24, 2026.
We are heartbroken by this sudden and devastating loss. Habib was not only a talented journalist but also a loyal friend, a loving son, and a kind soul who brought joy to everyone around him. He had a gift for making people laugh with his quick wit, and his deep love and care for his mother was known to all who knew him.
Habib leaves behind his elderly, ill mother and his unemployed brother, who are now facing both emotional and financial hardship. This loss has left them completely devastated.
We are urgently asking for your support during this incredibly difficult time. The funds raised will be used to:
Transport Habib’s body back to Afghanistan
Cover funeral and burial expenses
Provide basic living support for his grieving family
Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and help ease the burden on his family.
Habib once said his greatest wish was not to witness the passing of his mother. In a bittersweet way, that wish was fulfilled—but now she must endure the unimaginable pain of losing her son.
Please consider donating and sharing this appeal. Your kindness and generosity will help honor Habib’s memory and support those he loved most.
Thank you for standing with his family in their time of grief.
GoFundMe