UPDATE: CFJC Today reports that police are investigating a possible suspect vehicle, a dark blue two-door jeep.
The teen victim of a hit-and-run accident in B.C. over the weekend died less than 30 metres from her home, and hours before her birthday.
Jennifer Gatey, 16, was struck and killed on Pacific Way in Kamloops on Friday evening, according to Kamloops RCMP.
Surveillance footage from nearby homes captured images of a dark-coloured SUV.
“It is always tragic when a young person dies, but in this case, where Jennifer died the day before her 17th birthday, it is especially heart-breaking,” said Cpl. Jodi Shelkie in a release on Facebook.
“That is why it is vital that we speak to the driver of this vehicle.”
The teen's father, Cameron Gatey, told Kamloops This Week the coroner told him his daughter died instantly when her head hit the sidewalk, but he’s still angry that the driver left the scene.
“You’ve ruined a whole bunch of lives,” he told CTV News.
Jennifer Gatey, who went by Jenn, was killed Friday, Nov. 4, just a day before she was to turn 17. (Photo: Jenn Gatey/Facebook)
“Turn yourself in to police and do the right thing.”
The teen had left Friday evening with her gym bag to catch a bus, Cameron told Kamloops This Week. The bus stop was right behind their home, across the street.
But it's unclear whether she made it to the bus stop or was hit while crossing the road, he told CBC News.
Jennifer, who went by Jenn, was quiet and shy, her dad told the broadcaster. She was looking forward to a birthday pizza dinner at home with her family on Saturday.
In one of their final text exchanges on Friday, she asked if they could order takeout.
“We’re seriously thinking about moving from this house.”
“It’s your day, so we’ll have whatever you like,” Cameron texted her back.
He told Kamloops This Week that it’s been hard to hear the sound of the bus behind their home. He’s also struggling with the knowledge that his daughter was killed basically in their backyard.
“We’re seriously thinking about moving from this house.”
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