LEXINGTON, KY — A 19-year-old Crescent Springs man died after a hit-and-run crash on Lexington’s High Street early Sunday, and police say the driver who hit him has not been found. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Chance Lee Martin.

Officials said Martin died at 4:35 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in the area of 601 E. High Street. The coroner ruled the death a result of multiple blunt force traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle collision.

Lexington police said officers were called to the 600 block of High Street around 4 a.m. for a hit-and-run report. When they arrived, they found Martin dead at the scene and the driver gone.

Police say the driver fled before officers arrived

The Lexington Police Department has turned the case over to its collision reconstruction unit, which is handling the investigation. At this point, officials have not said what kind of vehicle was involved or whether they have identified a suspect.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to come forward. That includes anyone who may have seen the collision, noticed damage to a vehicle, or has video from the area around the time of the crash.

Hit-and-run investigations often depend on small details from witnesses and nearby cameras, and Lexington police have made clear that they still need public help. No arrests have been announced.

Friends gathered at the crash site to remember Chance Martin

Hours after the collision, friends gathered at the location where Martin died and began sharing stories about him. They described a teenager who was steady, generous and eager to help people around him.

Chris Loredo, whose son considered Martin his best friend, said Martin would volunteer for chores and was always willing to pitch in. Loredo said Martin was grateful for every opportunity he received and carried himself with a giving spirit.

“He would always be willing to help, he’d come over and wanna do chores, be part of it right with my sons,” Loredo said. “He was just grateful for every opportunity he was given.”

Close friends say he brought energy to every room

Justin Hill, who said he met Martin in an after-school program, remembered growing up with him through two Catholic schools in Northern Kentucky. The two played football together and remained close through high school.

Hill said Martin had a way of making people feel better just by being around them. He called him a dependable friend and said their bond lasted through freshman, sophomore and junior year.

“We went to the same high school together freshman, sophomore, junior, year, we were good friends, played football with each other, that’s just been my guy ever since, love him to death,” Hill said. Hill also said Martin was the kind of person people naturally liked and trusted.

Holy Cross High School remembers a kind and gentle alumnus

Holy Cross High School Principal Rob Knox released a statement mourning Martin, who was a former football player and member of the Class of 2025. The school said his death has left students, staff and alumni grieving.

Knox described Martin as one of the kindest and gentlest souls in the Holy Cross community and said his presence made the world a little better. The school asked for privacy for Martin’s family and for everyone hurting over the loss.

Father Jeff VonLehmen was scheduled to lead a private prayer service for the Holy Cross District High School community, and counselors were available for students who needed support.

A fundraiser and public calls for justice follow the crash

People close to Martin have also begun organizing support for his family. A fundraiser titled “Standing with Chance’s Father After This Tragedy” was set up by Abbigail Berner to help with the aftermath of his death.

Friends said they want the crash solved and accountability for whoever struck Martin and left the scene. Hill said he hopes the case leads to justice because, in his words, “this is not right, not right at all.”

The case remains active as Lexington police continue their search for the driver. Anyone with information is being urged to contact investigators.

Local news that matters, from Dulaney Griffin.