The Snuneymuxw First Nation is asking the driver who hit and killed a young man along the Harmac Road south of Nanaimo last week to come forward so the grieving family and community can have closure.

Snuneymuxw member Charles Tommy, 21, was walking home from fishing in the early evening of October 24 when he was hit by a vehicle. The driver sped away from the scene and Tommy, the father of a seven-month-old baby, died on the side of the road.

Snuneymuxw Nation Chief Michael Wyse said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of our Snuneymuxw kinsman” 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 away from the scene, just east of the bridge that crosses the Nanaimo River between Raines and Gordon roads, but could not provide a make or model description.

The Snuneymuxws said they are grateful to Martin Leduc, who found Tommy on the side of the road shortly after he was hit. Leduc performed CPR and stayed with him until paramedics arrived.

“This act of compassion is a reminder of the courage and goodness that lives within us,” the First Nation said in a statement. “Martin, thank you for showing such compassion and courage in a time of need.”

Tommy’s family has asked that no flowers be placed at the scene.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to come forward. Anyone with dash cam video on Oct. 24 is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

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