Streamer hit by car while walking from Philly to California for underserved kids

Popular Twitch streamer Isaiah Thomas, known online as @hmblzayy, had just crossed into Indiana on his cross‑country faith walk when a car hit him from behind. He called the moment wildly “traumatic” and said he felt like he was “flying in the air” before hitting the ground.

Thomas, who is walking from Philadelphia to California, was livestreaming when the crash happened. The video captured the impact in real time. This shocked viewers who watched the support vehicle behind him get hit first. Then it was pushed into him.

“I am blessed to be alive,” Thomas said to 11Alive. “When I landed and got up, I immediately checked everything. I was still able to walk, but I was in pain.”

Twitch Streamer Hit by Car

Thomas was walking west on a highway when a supporter driving behind him tried to keep him safe. Moments later, another driver slammed into that vehicle, sending it forward and into Thomas.

He said the supporter acted like a “guardian angel,” adding, “If they weren’t there and I was walking on that side, it would have been way worse.”

Police and first responders said the crash stunned them because he survived with only sprains and bruises. Thomas spent the evening in a Richmond hospital but avoided broken bones.

Streamer Isaiah Thomas’s Mission and Twitch Community

Thomas has already logged 650 miles of his journey. He is raising $200,000 to build a faith‑based trade school HMBL University for at‑risk kids in Philadelphia. It is a mission he shares daily with thousands of followers on Twitch and TikTok.

“I just wanted to create an environment for kids to believe anything is possible,” he told 11Alive. “One way to do it is me taking this leap of faith and walking across the country.”

Despite the crash, Thomas told supporters he plans to continue the walk once his body recovers. “I’m definitely going to go back to the walk,” he said. “I’m just slow walking into it to make sure my body is ready.”

GoFundMe and Support

In combination with the walk, Thomas’ created a GoFundMe to help raise funds for thes mission.

Thomas noted in the fundraiser students will have access to trade certifications such as CNA, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, carpentry, and medical tech.

The program also will teach essential life skills such as financial literacy, budgeting, entrepreneurship, self‑confidence, and hands‑on skills like sewing.

At the time of this report, the fundraiser has raised $51,000.

What’s Next

Thomas says he remains focused on healing and finishing his cross‑country journey. His supporters continue to follow his updates on Twitch, where he streams under @hmblzayy, and on social media as he prepares to resume the walk.

To learn more about the fundraiser, visit the verified GoFundMe page.