B.C. hit-and-run victim identified, RCMP say suspect fled country

Police say the suspect identified in a fatal hit-and-run crash over the weekend in an unincorporated community east of Terrace, B.C., has fled the country. 

Terrace RCMP say a witness found a man early Sunday who had been struck by a vehicle at Old Lakelse Lake Drive near Clark Street in the community of Thornhill. 

The man was declared dead at the scene and police believe he was struck between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. PT. 

Terrace RCMP say evidence suggests the suspect's vehicle was owned by a local taxi company. Police say they have identified the driver, who has since left Canada. 

Family have identified the victim as Brian Adams, 57, a member of the Nisga'a and Kitselas First Nations who lived in the Kitselas community of Gitaus. They said he had coming home from a family celebration when it happened.

Adams' son-in-law Jeremy Walker says his father-in-law was a fisheries technician for Nisga'a Fisheries for two decades, and was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

A statement from Adams' stepdaughter Maria Duncan thanked RCMP and the community for their support. 

"The outpouring of love and support has been amazing," the statement reads. "He was a loved member of our family and community. He will be dearly missed."

Police say the taxi company is fully co-operating with the investigation.

Walker says the family is requesting  members of the public not retaliate against the company, saying he has already seen some "ugly" posts online.

"They won't make it better," he said.

Terrace RCMP are working with the the B.C. Prosecution Service on charge assessment.