Snuneymuxw First Nation appeals to hit-and-run driver

The Snuneymuxw First Nation is calling on the driver who hit and killed a young man on Harmac Road south of Nanaimo last week to come forward so the grieving family and community can end his life.

Charles Tommy, 21, a member of the Snuneymuxw organization, was walking home from fishing in the early evening of October 24 when he was hit by a car. The driver fled the scene, and Tommy, the father of a seven-month-old baby, died on the side of the road.

Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Michael Wise said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of our Snuneymuxw relative” and reached out to the driver directly. “I urge you to come forward. You still have the power to give his family and our community some peace and closure.”

Wise urged anyone with more information to contact Nanaimo RCMP.

Witnesses told police the vehicle sped away from the scene east of the Nanaimo River Bridge between Raines and Gordon roads, but could not provide a make or model description.

The Snuneymuxw said they are grateful to Martin Leduc, who found Tommy on the side of the road shortly after he was hit. Leduc performed CPR and stayed by his side until paramedics arrived.

“This act of compassion is a reminder of the courage and goodness that lives within us,” the First Nation said in a statement. “Martin, thank you for your compassion and bravery at such a difficult time.”

Tommy’s family asked that no flowers be left at the scene.

Police are asking anyone with information about the accident to come forward. Anyone with dashcam footage of Oct. 24 is also asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

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