Merritt city councillor killed in suspected hit and run outside Valemount

RCMP are investigating after a Merritt, B.C., city councillor was killed in an apparent hit and run early overnight.

The city has confirmed Coun. Claire Newman died when she was struck by a vehicle while travelling to visit family.

In a media release, Valemount RCMP said officers were alerted by an automated cell phone crash notification to an incident on Highway 16 near Lucerne Lake just after midnight on Wednesday.

Police arrived to find a Nissan Frontier unlocked and running, with a dog inside.

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There were no other vehicles around, but police found the victim dead at the scene in a ditch at the bottom of an embankment.

Police believe Newman may have been outside of her vehicle when she was struck. Investigators found a headlight assembly at the scene belonging to a 2016-2018 grey Jeep Cherokee, and are urging the driver to come forward.

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The City of Merritt said it will be lowering its flags to half-mast as it mourns Newman’s death.

“To lose a light like Claire in such a tragic way has left a giant hole in my heart and the heart of everyone who came into contact with her,” Mayor Michael Goetz wrote in a statement posted to the city’s website.

“Claire was the cheerleader of this council and a driving force that you rarely come across. Getting to know Claire over the past six months has been a great pleasure and I am a better person for having known her. To her family and friends, I offer my deepest sympathies. Claire you will be missed.”

B.C. Premier David Eby also offered his condolences.

“Incredibly saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Councillor Claire Newman,” Eby wrote.

“My sincere condolences to her family and loved ones, to her colleagues, and to the residents of Logan Lake and Merritt.”

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The city will also be cancelling its regular council meeting for July 11, choosing instead to dedicate the time to a quiet gathering to honour her passing.

City Hall will be accepting flowers for anyone wishing to honour her memory.

RCMP are looking to speak with anyone who was in the Lucerne Lake area of Highway 16 between 11 p.m. on July 4 and just after midnight on July 5, and who may have seen Newman or her vehicle alongside the highway.

Police are also looking for video shot in the area at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Valemount RCMP at 250-566-4466.