As Nanaimo RCMP continue their investigation of a fatal hit-and-run that killed a 21-year-old father, Charles Tommy, they are requesting the driver who killed him to come forward.
Tommy was a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and a beloved friend, father, brother and son.
At around 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 24th on Harmac Road, just east of the Cedar Road Bridge, he was struck and killed by a vehicle who fled the scene immediately afterward.
“Witnesses reported seeing Charles both standing on the shoulder and lying in the roadway before he was struck or run over,” wrote R/Cst Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP.
“The driver of the vehicle involved may not be aware that they struck a person.”
Police say they have taken numerous statements and collected both dash cam footage as well as video surveillance from the area.
Nanaimo RCMP investigators are now reviewing the video in an attempt to identify the vehicle involved.
Tommy’s son is just 7-months-old and will now grow up not knowing his father personally.
His family says he was known for his sense of humour, for which Tommy earned\the nickname “Chuckles”.
Additionally, he was known to love fishing, and would often share his catch with his Elders in the Snuneymuxw community.
“His parents are devastated at the loss of their eldest child and only son,” Nanaimo RCMP passed along from Tommy’s family.
Police are now requesting the driver of the vehicle involved come forward and help provide closure to the family.
Nanaimo RCMP will not be issuing any further comment on the investigation as of this publication.
Anyone who has information should contact Nanaimo RCMP at (250) 754-2345.
