A 27-year-old Philadelphia pastor and Twitch streamer known as Minister Zay was struck by a vehicle on day 34 of his cross-country faith walk from Philadelphia to California — and the terrifying moment was captured live in front of thousands of viewers.
Who Is Minister Zay?
Isaiah Thomas, known online as “Minister Zay” or “hmblzayy,” is a pastor, clothing line creator, and content creator from North Philadelphia. On March 26, 2026, he set out on a roughly 3,000-mile faith walk pushing a cart from Philadelphia to Southern California, livestreaming every step of the journey on Twitch. His mission: to raise $200,000 for HMBL University and the HMBL Summer Camp — a faith-based trade school and summer program designed to give high school graduates who lack college resources a real shot at success.
What Happened
On day 34 of the journey, Thomas was walking along Route 40 in Richmond, Indiana, with a supporter driving a blue Mazda behind him with hazard lights on for safety. Without warning, an 82-year-old driver rear-ended the Mazda, sending it crashing forward directly into Thomas and his supply cart.
Thousands of viewers watched it happen in real time.
“From that moment on, I just felt something hit me from the back, and I just went flying in the air,” Thomas said. “It felt like slow motion.”
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the chain-reaction crash. Thomas was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for a sprained ankle, bruising, and a concussion. Remarkably, given the force of the impact, his injuries were not life-threatening.
His Response
From his hospital bed, Minister Zay wasted no time addressing the thousands of supporters watching and praying for him. His message was unambiguous.
“God is the greatest. I will not stop. It’s a miracle I’m alive.”
He has made clear that once he recovers, he fully intends to return to the road and complete the remaining miles to California — concussion, bruised body, and all.
The Mission Behind the Walk
The faith walk was never just about the physical challenge. Thomas launched the journey to prove to underprivileged kids in Philadelphia that anything is possible with faith, discipline, and determination. HMBL University, the trade school he is raising funds for, is designed specifically for young people who may not have the means or desire to attend a traditional four-year college but still deserve a pathway to a successful future.
“Being able to show kids that anything is possible if you put your mind to it,” Thomas said before the accident.
The accident, if anything, has only added a new chapter to a testimony that was already reaching millions.
Public Reaction
The clip of the crash spread rapidly across social media platforms within hours of the incident, drawing an outpouring of prayer, support, and donations from people across the country who had been following his journey. Many viewers who had never heard of Minister Zay before the accident are now among his most vocal supporters.
What’s Next
Thomas is currently recovering. No timeline for his return to the walk has been officially confirmed, but based on his own words, the question is not if he will finish — it is when.
Three thousand miles. One mission. And apparently, not even a car can stop it.
To follow Minister Zay’s recovery and support his mission, search “Minister Zay” on Instagram or Twitch.