Cyclist Kitty Dunham, 80, killed in Chilliwack hit and run; suspect released

Kitty Dunham, an 80-year-old community volunteer, was struck and killed by a speeding truck in Chilliwack, B.C. A suspect was arrested but has since been released pending investigation.

Family demands answers after volunteer cyclist killed in Chilliwack hit and run

Global News Crime reports that Kitty Dunham, an 80-year-old cyclist and community volunteer, was struck and killed by a speeding truck in Chilliwack, British Columbia, on Saturday, September 19, at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Dunham was riding her bike along Portage Avenue at Woodbine Street when a truck travelling at an estimated 60 to 65 kilometres per hour moved around a stopped Amazon delivery van and struck her. Eyewitness Kevin Date, who was watching television nearby, heard the impact and looked out his window in time to see the truck roll over Dunham and her bicycle. Date told Global News the driver proceeded to the end of the road, turned around as if to return, and then fled the scene.

Bystanders at the scene attempted to revive Dunham, who had a faint pulse, but were unable to save her. RCMP later seized a suspect vehicle and arrested a man in connection with the incident; he has since been released as the investigation continues. Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved in the collision.

A memorial has been growing near Portage Park in the days since Dunham's death. Her sisters, Marie Guitard Belanger and Nancy Guitar, described her as a tireless giver who had overcome a broken back to walk and ride again, and who was widely known for cycling throughout the city.

"Kitty was 4'11, she was going to be 81 in November, she weighed maybe 100 pounds, followed the rules on the road," Belanger told Global News on Monday.

Dunham had been recognized with an award for her volunteer work in restorative justice and was predeceased by her husband and two daughters. Guitar recalled her sister's guiding principle: "It was more important to give than to take."

Both sisters expressed disbelief that the driver did not stop. "The accident was hitting Kitty, the crime was leaving her there and taking off," Guitar said. Belanger described the driver as a "friggin' coward" and said she wants to meet him face to face. "I want to ask why didn't you wait two minutes — that truck would have moved."

Guitar added: "I would like to know how can you justify what you did or can you justify what you did. You have to live with that the rest of your life."

Guitar also reflected on what her sister's response would likely have been had the driver stopped. "I'm sure if Kitty would have survived this and been on the road and the man would have stopped, she would have told him it's OK, it's OK," Belanger said. "That's Kitty you know."

Date, visibly affected by the events, said the scene left a lasting mark on the neighbourhood. "It was really heartbreaking. It's left a big knot in everyone's stomach around here."

Global News Crime has learned the collision was captured on a neighbour's security camera, and that footage has been handed over to police. RCMP are also seeking additional CCTV or dash camera recordings of a burgundy or red 2021 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab truck in the areas of Portage Avenue, Woodbine Street, Hazel Street, Menzies Street, and Yale Road at the time of the incident.

The community has organized a candlelight vigil for Dunham on Saturday, September 26, at 6:00 p.m. at Portage Park, at the corner of Portage Avenue and Woodbine Street in Chilliwack.

Source: Global News Crime