A city councillor for Merritt, BC, was killed in a hit-and-run crash early Wednesday morning and her family and colleagues are mourning the sudden loss.
Claire Newman was travelling to see family when she was struck by a vehicle outside of Valemount, BC, according to a news release from the municipality.
“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,” Mayor Michael Goetz said. “Claire was the cheerleader of this Council and a driving force that you rarely come across.”
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Mounties say they got an automated cellphone crash notification just after midnight on July 5. Officers found a Nissan Frontier running and unlocked with a dog inside on Highway 16 near Lucerne Lake. There were no other vehicles in the area when police arrived.
When officers combed the area, they found the 46-year-old’s body in a ditch down an embankment near the vehicle.
“Evidence located at the scene suggests the woman may have been outside of her car and was struck by a vehicle,” Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said in a news release. “Police located head light assembly that has been identified as belonging to a 2016 to 2018 Jeep Cherokee and grey in colour. We encourage the driver to contact the police.”
Police are asking witnesses to come forward and contact Valemount RCMP at (250) 566-4466.
Merritt is lowering its flags to half-mast to mourn Newman’s death and has asked citizens to respect the family’s privacy. City Hall is accepting flowers from those who wish to honour her.