The Snuneymuxw First Nation is calling on the driver who struck and killed a young man along Harmac Road south of Nanaimo last week to come forward so the grieving family and community can have closure.
Charles Tommy, 21, a member of the Snuneymuxw, was walking home from fishing in the early evening of Oct. 24 when he was hit by a vehicle. The driver sped from the scene and Tommy — the father of a seven-month-old baby — died on the side of the road.
Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Michael Wyse said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of our Snuneymuxw relative” and had a direct message to the driver. “I urge you to come forward. You still have the power to give his family and our community some peace and closure.”
Wyse urged anyone with more information to contact Nanaimo RCMP.
Witnesses told police a vehicle was seen speeding from the scene, just east of the bridge spanning the Nanaimo River between Raines and Gordon roads, but could not provide a description of the make or model.
The Snuneymuxw said they were grateful to Martin Leduc, who found Tommy on the roadside shortly after he was hit. Leduc provided CPR and stayed by his side until paramedics arrived.
“This act of compassion is a reminder of the courage and good that lives within us,” the First Nation said in a statement. “Martin, thank you for showing such compassion and bravery in a moment of need.”
Tommy’s family has requested that no flowers be placed at the scene.
Police are asking anyone with information on the crash to come forward. Anyone with dashcam video on Oct. 24 is also asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
