A Camden, New Jersey, neighborhood is mourning the loss of a beloved mechanic killed last week in what authorities said was a hit-and-run involving a stolen car.

Around 6:46 p.m. Thursday, Kenneth Blane Smith, known by those close to him simply as Blane, was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by a stolen Chevy Blazer, according to the Camden County prosecutor's office. The driver fled the scene, officials said.

Jackie Thomas, who lives across the street, said the impact threw Smith into the air.

"He flew up in the air, and his body landed in the street, and the bike maybe went 30 feet from where he landed," Thomas said.

Smith was taken to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities said the Blazer was found unoccupied a short time later after it crashed i

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