File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Coquihalla Fatal

Merritt hit-and-run victim could have been struck up to five days before body was found: police

Sep 5, 2024 | 1:49 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — RCMP investigating the death of a man along the Coquihalla Highway near Merritt say he could have been hit up to five days before his body was discovered.

The man’s body was discovered last Friday (Aug. 30) just off Highway 5 near Exit 286, the junction with the Okanagan Connector.

In a news release issued Thursday (Sept. 5), B.C. Highway Patrol spokesperson Cpl. Melissa Jongema says investigators believe the man was struck by a southbound vehicle as it approached the exit, sometime between August 25 and 30.

Police are now asking for anyone who drove through the area during that window to review their dashcam footage.

“August 25 to 30 is a five-day window,” said Jongema. “There were a lot of vehicles coming through the area with dashcam. It is extremely important that even if your dashcam seems to be irrelevant that you contact BC Highway Patrol at 250-378-4262 because any and all information can help narrow down the timeline of when this incident occurred.”

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The man was wearing a grey hoodie and black track pants when he was struck. Police have not revealed anything further about his description or identity.