Jeep Cherokee Sought In Newman Hit and Run Death

Valemount RCMP  are hoping to speak with the owner of a Jeep Cherokee in connection with a fatal crash that claimed the life of a  Merritt City Councillor Claire Newman on Wednesday.

In a news release, Cpl. Madonna Saunderson of the Valemount detachment reported that shortly after midnight on July 5th, members responded to an automated cell phone crash notification crash activation on Highway 16 near Lucerne Lake. When police arrived, they found a Nissan Frontier running, unlocked and a dog inside. There were no other vehicles in the area when police arrived.

The release also noted that upon closer examination of the scene, a woman, was in the ditch down an embankment near the vehicle.

Evidence located at the scene suggests Newman may have been outside of her car and was struck by a vehicle.

Saunderson added that police located a head light assembly that has been identified as belonging to a grey 2016 to 2018 Jeep Cherokee.

“We encourage the driver ( of the Jeep Cherokee)to contact the police,” Saunderson wrote, “We (RCMP) would like to speak with anyone who may have been in the area between 11:00 pm on the July 4 and shortly after midnight on July 5, that may have seen the woman and or her vehicle alongside the highway.”

She also asked that anyone having dashcam footage during those hours while driving on Highway 16 to please come forward as well.

Meanwhile, a memorial has been set up at Merritt City Hall in Council Chambers at Councillor Newman’s seat. Since Wednesday, Merritt residents have been dropping off flowers with notes of condolence.

“She (Newman) was a special lady and loved whatever community she was in,” said Mayor Mike Goetz. “She had such passion about municipal politics and it resonated with the others on council and staff.”

Goetz noted that next week’s regular council meeting ( July 11) has been postponed however council, staff and the public will be on-hand in Council Chambers to remember Claire Newman.

“There will be an opportunity for members of the community, staff and council to share stories about Claire (Newman) and celebrate her life,” Goetz added. “We are also hoping to Zoom with Logan Lake City Council who also meet on Tuesday night as I know she had many dear friends and colleagues in that community from her fourteen years as City Council there.”

Tuesday’s meeting begins at 6 p.m.