Kitty Dunham’s family is calling for accountability after the 80-year-old was struck by a vehicle near Portage Park on Sept. 19 and RCMP continues a hit-and-run investigation.
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A growing memorial near Portage Park in Chilliwack honours Kitty Dunham, an 80-year-old cyclist whose family says she was killed in a weekend hit-and-run and left at the scene. RCMP arrested a man after the collision, but he has since been released as the investigation continues, according to details provided in the report.
The family described Dunham as a longtime community volunteer and cyclist known for helping others. One of her sisters, Marie Guitard Belanger, said Dunham followed the rules on the road and was preparing to turn 81 in November.
Family members said Dunham had recovered from a broken back and returned to walking and riding a bike. They also said she was well-known for cycling around town, and that she had been recognized for volunteer work connected to restorative justice.
In the days following the collision, family members have continued to emphasize the circumstances of the incident: they say the driver struck her and then left without stopping to assist. Belanger said she wants to speak directly with the person arrested and asked why the driver would not have waited, noting that the vehicle’s movement would have provided an opportunity to respond.
RCMP said the collision occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, when Dunham was riding along Portage Avenue at Woodbine Street. The report says she was struck by a vehicle in that area.
A witness account provided in the report described seeing an Amazon delivery van in front of a neighbour’s house before the cyclist attempted to cross the road. The witness, Kevin Date, said he saw a speeding truck go around the van, hit Dunham, and then drive away after rolling over the bike.
Date said bystanders tried to help Dunham, who had a slight pulse, but were unable to bring her back. He described the impact on the neighbourhood and said the death has left many people feeling deeply unsettled.
The report also says RCMP later seized a suspect vehicle and arrested a man, who was subsequently released. The investigation continues, with police saying they do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved.
Investigators have asked the public for dash camera or CCTV footage, including footage from surrounding areas identified as Portage Avenue, Woodbine Street, Hazel Street, Menzies Street, and Yale Road. RCMP said the sought vehicle is a burgundy or red 2021 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab truck.
The report states the collision was captured by a neighbour’s security cameras and that footage has been provided to police. It also notes that the community is organizing a candlelight vigil for Dunham on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Portage Park at Portage Avenue and Woodbine Street in Chilliwack.
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