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Family seeks tips in fatal hit-and-run of skateboarder

Family seeks tips in fatal hit-and-run of skateboarder

Family members of a skateboarder killed in a hit-and-run earlier this year are asking the public for help in identifying the driver responsible.

"Our family has changed forever because of this devastating accident," Barron's aunt Lynn Stuart told reporters at an emotional press conference Thursday morning.

"We are still struggling with the grief and lack of closure."

Thirty-year-old Ryan Barron, who is originally from Windsor, Ont., died after he was struck by a car in the early morning hours of April 17, 2016, in Vancouver's Oakridge neighbourhood.

Police located the car two days later in an East Vancouver garage. VPD Staff Sgt. Randy Fincham said investigators believe they know who was driving the vehicle at the time, but are trying to build an airtight case before proceeding.

Police also released a new photo of the car taken when it was found. The photo shows significant damage to the car, including a dented hood and a shattered windshield.

Police continue to investigate

Other friends and members of Barron's family, including his sister, mother and grandmother, were also present at the press conference, wearing white T-shirts emblazoned with Barron's face and the words "Justice for Ryan."

Barron's mother Leigh held a brightly coloured skateboard with the name "Barron."

Stuart said Barron was out skateboarding with friends to celebrate a recent promotion at work the night of the accident.

"His job was going fantastic and life was good," she said.

She appealed to the driver of the car directly.

"You too might be in my family's situation [one day], and never would you have imagined the pain and heartbreak because of the fact that people are not coming forward when it's been your son, your brother, your nephew or your grandchild that has been the victim of a hit-and-run, whether fatal or not," Stuart said.

Fincham said the damage to the car was significant, and he had "no doubt" the driver knew someone had been hit hard enough to cause serious injury.

But the driver fled the scene of the accident, and Fincham said a deliberate attempt was made to hide the car from police.

He said police know who the car is registered to, and they don't believe it was stolen.

"To the driver of this car: we don't close files," Fincham said. "This will remain an active, ongoing investigation until you are arrested."

"You will not know when we're coming for you," Fincham continued.

"It may be at a family gathering. It may be at a place of employment. But there will be a day where we close this investigation with your arrest. So we are coming for you."

With files from Farrah Merali.