232244
231507

Kelowna  

Killed in hit and run

Update -- 2 p.m.

The woman arrested in connection with Sunday's hit and run was a contracted driver with the Kelowna Daily Courier. She was picking up paper bundles at the time.

Courier Publisher, Terry Armstrong, says the paper feels terrible about this tragic incident and extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim.

He tells Castanet the paper is cooperating fully with the investigation.


Update -- Nov. 24

A 71-year-old Kelowna woman is in police custody in connection with the death of an 83-year-old woman who was found in a downtown alley early Sunday morning.

83-year-old Julie Gillespie died of injuries suffered as a result of a hit and run shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday in the alley between the Kelowna Daily Courier and the McWilliams Centre on Doyle Avenue.

Gillespie was alive when she was discovered but died later in Kelowna General Hospital from injuries suffered in the incident.

The suspect was arrested about 9:30 p.m. Sunday evening.

RCMP Cst. Kris Clark could not provide information pertaining to how the suspect was found or where she was arrested.

Clark says Gillespie had been out that evening and was walking along the sidewalk to her residence when she was struck.

He says a third party called 911 moments after Gillespie was struck. BC Ambulance contacted RCMP.

Clark couldn't speak to the specific injuries suffered by Gillespie but went on to say they were serious enough to cause her death.

The unidentified suspect faces potential charges in relation to Failing to Remain at the Scene of an Accident.

She has not yet been formally charged pending further investigation.

"We have 24 hours to bring her before a judge or justice so it's very unlikely it (court appearance) will happen today...maybe tonight to a justice and of course she would have to go before a judge if we're going to hold her tomorrow," says Clark.

RCMP are asking anyone who was around the 500 block of Doyle Avenue at about 1 a.m. Sunday, who may have information concerning the incident, to contact police at 250-762-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.


Original story -- Nov. 23

Police are investigating after an elderly woman died of serious injuries early Sunday morning.

On Nov. 23, at 1:13 a.m., the Kelowna RCMP responded to a report of an injured woman in the alley between the Kelowna Daily Courier and the McWilliams Centre located at 580 Doyle Avenue.

The 83-year-old Kelowna woman was found alone suffering from serious, extensive injuries.

She was rushed to hospital in critical condition but did not survive.

The woman's name is being withheld pending notification of her family.

The investigation is in the preliminary stages. Kelowna RCMP are working with BC Coroners Service to determine the cause of death.

Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who might have any information leading to the identity of the person or persons responsible for causing the woman's fatal injuries.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.

Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

--With files from Bill Everitt



More Kelowna News



229228