Hit-and-run death spurs Calgary community to act
Rachel Wong Suk Yee, 56, was killed after being hit by 2 cars
CBC News
Posted: Feb 27, 2013 7:42 AM MT
Last Updated: Feb 27, 2013 12:04 PM MT
People living in a northwest neighbourhood where a woman was killed last week in a hit and run are banding together to promote traffic safety and to show that their community cares.
Rachel Wong Suk Yee, 56, was struck by two cars as she attempted to cross the intersection of Sandstone Drive and Berkshire Boulevard last Wednesday morning.
Both drivers left the scene while two other motorists drove around the woman, who lay dying on the street.
Steven Jonathan Vanasse, 24, later called police to turn himself in. He has been charged with hit and run causing death.
Police are still searching for the second vehicle, who is believed to have been driving a dark-coloured sedan that will have damage to the lower part of its front bumper.
A couple dozen members of the Sandstone community were at the site where Wong died to promote traffic safety awareness on Wednesday morning.
They distributed reflective gear to make pedestrians more visible and held placards with messages such as “we care” and "see and be seen."
"This is a part of the way to say Sandstone does care, Sandstone is an engaged community,” said Ald. Gael MacLeod.
Flora Stephenson, Wong's niece, read a statement from the family thanking the community for its support, praising officials for their handling of the tragedy, and asking witnesses to come forward.
"It would bring us great comfort and closure if anyone can help us piece together the last few moments of Rachel's life," she said.
Wong's funeral is this weekend.
Police search for 2nd hit-and-run culprit
Investigators say they think the second driver who hit Wong lives in the community.
"We have officers canvassing the neighbourhood. It's been sectioned off and we're doing a grid search essentially, doing door knocks and canvassing neighbours," said Insp. Dean Lagrange.
"And that's why it's so important to have community support. We need the eyes and ears of the community to be able to identify this individual."
Debb Roeke, who lives a few houses away from where the fatality happened, said it's disturbing how many witnesses did not stay at the scene.
"I just hope this serves as a reminder for people to have a bit more compassion and care for their neighbours and surroundings," she said.
Tai Leugu, another area resident, said pedestrians need to take more precautions.
"I think they should use a crosswalk. Also the crosswalk needs some warning system, flashing lights,” he said.
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