Photo: VPD

The family of a man who was killed in a hit-and-run in April is asking for the public's help in finding the person who killed their son.

Ryan Barron, 30, was skateboarding with a friend on Heather Street near West 54th Avenue in Vancouver at 2:30 a.m. on April 17.

He was out celebrating a recent promotion at work. He was planning on giving his mother from Ontario a tour of the city when she came and visited him in a couple months.

Barron was hit by a vehicle and later died in hospital. The driver of the car fled the scene.

Two days later, police found the vehicle they believe was involved in the crash, a silver 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, at a home in the east side of Vancouver.

Vancouver police released a picture of the vehicle Thursday, showing the extent of the damage.

“Make no doubt about it: the driver of this car would be very aware that they hit somebody,” said Sgt. Randy Fincham at a press conference.

“They also know that they left the scene of that collision and made an attempt to hide that vehicle from police.”

Police were unable to locate the driver of the vehicle, but are certain there are people in the community that know the driver's identity.

They have spoken to the registered owner of the vehicle in question, but say they need more evidence to “100 per cent identify” the person who was driving that evening.

Barron's family gathered in Vancouver Thursday to share the impact his death has had on the family.

“Our family has changed forever because of this devastating accident, and we are still struggling with the grief and lack of closure,” said Lynn Stuart, Barron’s aunt.

“I know Ryan will be with us in spirit, but sometimes that’s just not good enough.”

Fincham made it very clear Thursday that the person responsible for Barron's death would be found.

“To the driver of this car: We don’t close files. This will remain an active, ongoing investigation until you’re arrested. You will not know when we’re coming for you – it may be at a family gathering, it may be at a place of employment – but there will be a day when we close this investigation with your arrest. So we are coming for you,” he said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the VPD at 604-717-3012 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

- with files from CTV Vancouver

Photo: VPD

Ryan Barron