Twitch streamer hit by car during viral cross-country faith walk

Despite the frightening incident, Thomas says he plans to continue his journey west within days.

A Philadelphia Twitch streamer known for documenting a cross-country “faith walk” was struck by a vehicle in Indiana while thousands watched live online.

Authorities say 27-year-old Isaiah Thomas — known online as “Minister Zay” — was injured Tuesday during day 34 of his journey from Philadelphia to California.

According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Thomas was walking along a highway while being followed by a supporter driving a blue Mazda.

Investigators say an 82-year-old driver rear-ended the Mazda, pushing the vehicle into Thomas and launching him into the air. The incident was captured live on stream and quickly spread across social media.

“I just remember something hitting the back of me real fast,” Thomas said. “It felt like slow motion.”

The Philadelphia native says he is walking nearly 3,000 miles to raise money for a future trade school aimed at helping underserved children in Philadelphia.

“Being able to show kids that anything is possible if you put your mind to it,” Thomas said. “I wanted to turn negativity into something positive.”

Thomas says his mission is personal, citing the violence and struggles many young people face growing up in Philadelphia.

“A lot of kids lose their life to gun violence,” he said. “Me growing up, I was one of those kids.”

The crash left Thomas bruised and hospitalized with minor injuries, but doctors reportedly found no broken bones or major fractures.

Despite the frightening incident, Thomas says he plans to continue his journey west within days.

“I’m super grateful nothing was broken,” he said. “I really want to continue to walk and do what I have to do.”