Oceanside RCMP is asking for help in identifying the driver who struck and killed a pedestrian this morning in Parksville before driving away.
The hit and run happened on Hirst Avenue, near McMillan street, shortly after 2:30 Saturday morning.
It claimed the life of a 32-year-old Parksville man.
“Two people including a female driving by saw a man slumped on the road and when they looked at him it was quite obvious that he was deceased,” said Cpl. Jesse Foreman, with Oceanside RCMP.
“We arrived shortly thereafter. It looks like a vehicle was involved but nobody stuck around to talk to us.”
When neighbours awoke the Hirst Avenue was closed as RCMP investigated.
Neighbours say they were upset when they learned police were investigating a fatal hit and run in front of their homes.
“Sickening. That’s really sad,” said Barb Kennedy, a neighbour.
“Felt like there’s no decency in people,” said Larry Chetcuti, another neighbour.
Sylvia Hansl was among those awoken by the impact.
“Like a car crash woke me up. I thought it was at the corner but then I heard the ambulance and it was right opposite my bedroom window,” said Hansl.
She says it brought back the emotions she felt in June when she learned her 62-year-old son Philip Hansl had been struck by a pickup and killed while crossing Nicol Street in Nanaimo.
“It’s a really bad feeling. I felt really bad about it,” said Hansl.
Police say the driver, in this case, needs to do the right thing and report to them what happened.
“It’s very concerning that somebody wouldn’t stick around. He was struck with significant force and it would’ve been very clear that he needed immediate medical attention. That might not have helped but regardless we need to identify the person responsible for this,” said Cpl. Foreman.
UPDATE August 26: Oceanside RCMP have seized a 1999 Black Ford F250 believed to be involved in the collision. Investigators are conducting a forensic examination to confirm that is the vehicle that struck the deceased 32 year-old man.
Oceanside RCMP are asking for anyone with knowledge or surveillance footage including dash cams to come forward. They ask that anyone with information contact the Oceanside RCMP at (250) 248-6111 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-8477.
Kendall Hanson
