OAKLAND — A 68-year-old man died Friday morning after he was hit by a van while walking his dog near Lake Merritt, police said.

Robert Bennett, a longtime nonprofit leader who ran a social justice consulting firm, was fatally hit about 9:08 a.m. Friday while in the crosswalk at Harrison and 23rd streets, by a dark gray Chrysler van headed northbound on Harrison, police said.

Police said the driver left the van briefly, looked at Bennett, then got back in the vehicle and drove off. No description of the driver was released.

After being taken to the hospital, Bennett died at 10:47 a.m., according to the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau.

Bennett founded the Oakland consulting firm Resource Development Associates in 1984, and helped Bay Area governments develop policy on issues like juvenile justice reform, mental health treatment and homelessness. Between 2004 and 2015, he was the president and CEO of the Felton Institute, a prominent San Francisco nonprofit that provides treatment and other services to low-income families, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

He’s survived by his wife Patricia and his five children.

“Bob was a dedicated father, husband and friend who loved the Bay Area and spent his entire professional life working to improve the lives of people throughout this community,” Nishi Moonka, the managing director of RDA, said in an email. “Through his work supporting public health and human service agencies, Bob’s impact is far-reaching and will last for generations.”

His dog was not injured. Harrison Street was closed in both directions between Grand Avenue and Bay Street for several hours while police investigated.

Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $10,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the driver. Anyone with information may call police at 510-777-8570 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.

The view on northbound Harrison approaching the crosswalk at 23rd Street.