Police are releasing more details about an Abbotsford man who was killed before Christmas while trying to rescue a dog that had run onto a road.
Abbotsford Police responded to a collision on Dec. 11 just after midnight on Lefeuvre Road.
Marc Ellis, 38, was struck by a driver of a 2019 red Dodge Ram pickup truck and died at the scene.
Sgt. Paul Walker says Ellis was attempting to rescue a dog that had run onto the roadway when he was fatally struck and killed.
Video released Jan. 16 shows two people who were in the pickup truck fleeing the scene on foot.
Police say the owner of the truck has been identified and belongs to an Abbotsford business.
“The suspect vehicle was not reported stolen,” says Walker. “Investigators have attempted to speak to the owner of the business but at this time they’re not cooperating with the police investigation.”
Police believe the two occupants of the pickup had been attending a party in the area before the collision.
"We're appealing to anyone at this party to come forward and speak to the police. We know people have vital information who were present at this party that will assist in advancing this investigation and bring the driver responsible for Marc's death before the courts,” says Walker.
A fundraiser has been created for Ellis and condolences are pouring in online. He's being remembered as a kind person with a big heart.
"Marc was generous without fault, always striving to do his best. He was always willing to help, and was there for anyone. A life taken far too soon. The dog and reptile community have suffered a huge loss with his passing,” says friend Brad Hoffman.
Hoffman says the money raised will be used to bring Ellis’ mother from the U.K. to Vancouver to say goodbye to her son.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the driver of the pickup and Ellis were at a party together prior to the crash. In fact, it was the two occupants inside the pickup, not Ellis.
