In an effort to find the driver involved in a hit and run from December, Edmonton police have released video of the pedestrian collision.
Investigators are hoping someone will recognize the van and come forward with information.
Gerry Boudrias, 64, and his 49-year-old neighbour were crossing the road in the area of 71 Avenue and 96 Street at around 5:15 p.m. or a.m. on Dec. 13 when they were hit by what police believe was a white van. The van did not stop..
Boudrias suffered broken vertebrae, fractured ribs and a broken collarbone.
On Thursday, Boudrias told Global News he is still recovering and that while he’s glad police have released the video, it was hard to watch.
“Well, I found it quite gruesome and startling,” he said.
He fears watching the video has negatively impacted his mental recovery.
Boudrias had been making good progress, recently returning to the scene.
“One good thing is though, I crossed the crosswalk the other day,” he said. “It was a pretty frightening trip, but I made it. It’ll be easier the second time.”
WATCH: Edmonton police released a disturbing video on Thursday of a hit and run that injured two pedestrians last month. As Sarah Kraus reports, they hope it will lead to tips about who was driving the van involved. WARNING: Graphic content.
The neighbour was never identified but her husband released a statement after the collision to say she suffered fractures to her skull, collarbone, pelvis and spinal injuries.
“You left my wife, a loving woman and devoted mother of our 10-year-old daughter, on the road to die and just drove away,” the man’s statement said in part.
WATCH: Gerry Boudrias relives the night he was struck by a vehicle and thrown six metres while walking across the street on his way home from work.
The two had met on the street after Boudrias got off the bus and were talking about Boudrias’ upcoming vacation plans when the collision occurred.
“We were just talking about Mexico and then, ‘Bang!’ The next thing I know I’m flying,” he said in December. “It was like being shot out of a cannon… I didn’t see anybody coming, I didn’t hear any braking or skid marks or lights or anything — I was just thrown.
“I was lying on the ground looking up at the house. I was that close to making it home that night.”
“The images are without a doubt disturbing, and also clearly reveal the lack of empathy displayed by the driver for leaving those pedestrians lying on the side of the road in critical condition,” Const. Pauline Westman said. “We need the public’s assistance in finding that van and its driver.”
Boudrias said his friends and family have expressed anger over the collision but he prefers to stay positive, calling negativity “a waste of energy.”
“It doesn’t move us toward the goal. Maybe one day, if you were the driver of the van and we were sitting here talking, maybe I would be angry,” he said.
“I only have so much energy. I have to put my energy into positive things.”
WATCH: Gerry Boudrias expresses disappointment over the driver of the van not coming forward in this raw interview.
The van is described as a white, Chevrolet three-quarter tonne Express Van or a GMC Savannah, model year 2013 or newer. The van had an Alberta licence plate and will have front-end damage.
“It just makes me wonder how somebody can’t come forward and own up for what they did,” Boudrais added. “It’s quite surprising actually.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the EPS at the non-emergency number, 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
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