A 46-year-old Merritt City Councillor has passed away following a hit-and-run on Highway 16 outside of Valemount.
Early this morning (Wednesday), Valemount RCMP responded to an automated cell phone crash notification on Highway 16 near Lucerne Lake.
When police arrived they found a running Nissan Frontier, which was unlocked with a dog inside.
There were no other vehicles in the area when police arrived.
RCMP have not released the name of the victim, but the City of Merritt put out a news release mourning the loss of City Councillor Claire Newman, who was ” struck and killed by a vehicle outside of Valemount, BC.”
The City of Merritt is saddened to announce the death of Councillor Claire Newman on July 5, 2023. Claire was travelling yesterday to see family and was struck and killed by a vehicle outside of Valemount, BC.
READ: https://t.co/Y2PoPSxZrV pic.twitter.com/jbi9Oh1e4T— City of Merritt (@CityofMerritt) July 5, 2023
“To lose a light like Claire Newman in such a tragic way has left a giant hole in my heart and the heart of everyone who came into contact with her,” said Mayor Michael Goetz. “Claire was the cheerleader of this Council and a driving force that you rarely come across. Getting to know Claire over the past six months has been a great pleasure and I am a better person for having known her. To her family and friends, I offer my deepest sympathies. Claire you will be missed.”
According to police, evidence at the scene suggests the Newman was likely outside her vehicle and was struck by another vehicle.
A headlight assembly, which has been identified as belonging to a 2016 to 2018 Jeep Cherokee, was found at the scene.
Police are encouraging the driver to contact them.
Mounties are looking to speak with anyone who may have been in the area between 11:00 p.m. on July 4th and shortly after midnight on July 5th that may have seen the woman or her vehicle along the highway as well as anyone who may have dash cam footage.
Merritt is flying their flags at half-mast and cancelling the July 11 council meeting in mourning.
Instead, a quite gathering will be held in her honor.
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