On the first anniversary of Dr. Cathy Donovan’s runaway death, her family and law enforcement have announced a new $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Donovan, a 56-year-old man who has been a family doctor for nearly 30 years, was hit while walking her dogs on the side of Highway 169 in Onamia exactly one year ago. The driver never stopped.

Donovan’s sisters, Dr. Robin Councilman and Christy Pemberton, joined by Drs. Arden Virnig – chief of staff at Mille Lacs Health System, where Donovan worked – and Mille Lacs County Sheriff Kyle Burton near Highway 169 where she was struck and killed.

The counselor recalled the press conference held by her family almost a year ago offering a $10,000 reward for information in the case. This reward has now been raised to $25,000.

“At that point, I think I spoke very compassionately about the person who killed her,” the aide said. “I really thought it was someone who was probably driving impaired and distracted and was horrified and scared of what they had done and would eventually decide they couldn’t live with themselves and come forward and -takes responsibility. … And yet, this was a very long year that proved me wrong.”

Christy Pemberton, another of Donovan’s sisters, said the person responsible “suddenly and violently ended the life of a beautiful, loving, generous, encouraging, giving mother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, friend and healer.”

“This person drove down that highway with my sister on the hood of their car until they fell off or were thrown onto the street,” Pemberton said. “If they weren’t literally asleep at the wheel, they should have known what they did.”

Billboards seeking tips about Donovan’s death remain along Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County.

In addition to increasing the reward amount, the family says the money will go to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest rather than a conviction.

“If you know anything, if you suspect anything, if you’re the person who did this, come forward,” the aide said.

The investigators they thought they had a break in the case in Marchbut later released the driver of a Tesla, which was seen on video in the area around the time it happened.

Burton said a witness told investigators Donovan was talking to someone in a sedan — possibly a Ford Focus — shortly before she was hit. The sheriff says the identity of the driver could help solve the case.

“I want to know who that person is and I want to know who the driver of that car was,” Burton said. “It could be absolutely relevant to this investigation and it’s one of those stones that has yet to be turned over. This case has bothered me from day one and will continue to bother me until we get to the bottom of who was responsible for this.”

The outpouring of love and grief Wednesday extended to Donovan’s colleagues and friends at Mille Lacs Health System.

A large group gathered at the Onamia hospital location to dedicate a new cafeteria in Donovan’s name.

“I think Cathy was the living embodiment of the beliefs of our health care system,” said Dr. Virnig, a colleague and friend. “Thank you, Cathy, for your life, your love and your smile. We all miss you.”

Meanwhile, Donovan’s family members are holding out hope that those responsible will be brought to justice.

“And so please, if you know anything, if you suspect anything, if you’re the person who did this, please come forward. Give this information to law enforcement or Crime Stoppers,” the aide said. “Nothing will bring Cathy back to us, but a small amount of justice would help us move forward and heal.”

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office at 320-983-8346.