A memorial is growing at the side of a New Brunswick road for a young man who was the victim of a hit and run, as RCMP analyze a vehicle they’ve seized as part of the investigation.
A 22-year-old man was waiting for a ride on St-Charles Sud Road in Saint-Charles, N.B., on the evening of Feb. 24, when he was struck by a vehicle.
READ MORE: N.B. RCMP seize vehicle connected with fatal hit and run
The community has identified the victim as Brady Francis of Elsipogtog First Nation.
“The community is in mourning right now and of course everybody, including myself, wants justice for Brady,” said Brent “Bo” Augustine, a relative.
RCMP initially said they found a GMC truck sign at the scene, and have since seized a truck as part of the investigation. On Tuesday, RCMP said they were “conducting analysis on key evidence.”
Police are appealing to the public to share information about the incident by calling Richibucto RCMP at (506) 523-4611 or Crime Stoppers.
Meanwhile, the community grieves. A steady stream of friends and family stopped by the memorial on Tuesday.
“When I first heard about it, I just immediately thought about the family and how could anybody lose somebody at such a young age,” Augustine said.
“I really couldn’t imagine myself going through what the family is going through right now.”
An online obituary for Francis said he was employed at CC’s Entertainment Center, where the staff “were like a second family to him.” He leaves behind his parents, three sisters and a brother.
A funeral mass is planned for March 3 at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church in Elsipogtog.
With a file from Morganne Campbell