Family of skateboarder, Ryan Barron, killed in hit-and-run make public appeal

The family of a young skateboarder killed in a hit-and-run in April in South Vancouver is offering a $25,000 reward for information about the driver of the vehicle.

Ryan Barron, 30, and his friend were skateboarding in the area of Heather St. and West 54th Ave. on April 17 in the early morning when he was struck by a vehicle.

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The driver of the vehicle fled the scene without stopping.

Barron’s friend performed CPR on him until paramedics arrived. He was rushed to hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Vancouver Police located the vehicle they believed was involved in the fatal collision in the east side of Vancouver, not far from the scene of the accident but no one was arrested in connection with the incident. The police seized and processed the silver 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer.

Barron’s aunt, Lynn Stuart, spoke for the family on Thursday saying, “our family is changed forever with this accident… and we’re still struggling.” Stuart went on to say never would she have imagined she’d be tasked with bringing her nephew’s ashes back to Windsor, Ontario.

VPD Sgt. Randy Fincham said the driver of this car “would have been very aware that they hit somebody” because it had extensive front-end damage. Fincham said it was surprising anyone would have been able to drive away from the scene considering the amount of damage done to the car.

Fincham also added the driver knows they did not stay to help the person, left the collision and made an attempt to hide it from the police.

“We don’t close files…,” Fincham said in the press conference. “You will not know when we’re coming for you… and we are coming for you.”

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to call Vancouver Police or Crime Stoppers.

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