21-year-old Charles Tommy was killed Thursday in an apparent hit and run along Harmac Rd. near the Nanaimo River bridge. (submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

looking for answers

Family of Nanaimo hit and run victim plea for driver to turn themselves in

Oct 29, 2024 | 3:17 PM

NANAIMO — Loved ones of a young man killed in an apparent hit and run last week south of the city are pleading for the driver of the vehicle to come forward.

Charles Tommy was killed the evening of Thursday, Oct. 24 along Harmac Rd., just east of the bridge spanning the Nanaimo River between Raines and Gordon Rd., when a passing car hit him and sped off.

Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Michael Wyse, speaking for Tommy’s family, said the 21-year-old father of a seven-month-old son was fishing in the area Thursday afternoon and was walking home at the time of the incident.

“As you could imagine, his family is devastated and they are looking for help. We are seeking any information that might provide some clarity and peace. We’re asking anyone who may have witnessed or heard anyone around the Cedar Rd. bridge to please come forward.”

Wyse described Tommy as a happy young man with a passion for the river and fishing.

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He was known to frequent the river to provide for his family.

Wyse said those with information about Tommy’s death “still have the power to do the right thing” and no detail was too insignificant.

“We’re starting to prepare for his day where we’ll lay him to rest and it’s a very tough time for our people right now. When a young man’s life is taken this way and somebody leaves and you don’t know what happened or why it happened, there’s a lot of unanswered questions there. We’d like to talk to the person and see.”

SFN Chief Michael Wyse (centre, blue shirt) was surrounded by family members of Charles Tommy as he delivered a prepared statement asking for the public’s help. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Nanaimo RCMP said at the time a vehicle was seen speeding away shortly after the incident, but no make or model has been identified.

Wyse also said a witness to the incident, identified as Martin Leduc, came to Tommy’s aid and provided CPR but Tommy’s injuries were too severe and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The actions of Leduc were described by Wyse as “the courage and good that lives within us”.

Tommy’s family have requested no flowers be left at the crash site along Harmac Rd.

“We are dedicated to supporting this case until our families receive the answers and justice they deserve,” Wyse said, surrounded by Tommy’s family. “To all those who loved Charles, hold onto his memory and know that you are not alone in this journey. Our entire community grieves with you and stands beside you.”

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250 754 2345, quoting file number 2024-34953.

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