BURST
Almost a year ago, Buddy Rhodes’s body was found on the side of the Coquihalla Highway near Merritt, killed in a hit-and run.
His body wasn’t discovered until Aug. 30, 2024, days after police believe he was hit by a southbound vehicle as it approached Exit 286.
On Thursday, police released Rhodes’s name and a video from his sister pleading for witnesses to come forward and give the family some much-needed answers.
Rhodes’s death has “left a big hole in our lives,” said sister Alix Legouffe in the video. “We’re still working through the process of how to move on without him.”
The last year had been marked by firsts without Rhodes, she said: birthdays, Christmas, family dinners. And the grief has been made worse by not knowing what had happened.
“It would bring some closure to our family to have some answers and know what actually happened or when it happened. All these unknowns is what makes it really hard to move forward.”
Investigators believe Rhodes, 24, was likely hit while standing or walking at the side of the highway. His body wasn’t found until up to six days later, meaning the collision could have occurred as early as Aug. 24. The report to police was made at 5:20 p.m. on Aug. 30.
B.C. highway patrol spokesman Cpl. Michael McLaughlin urged anyone with information, including the driver of the vehicle, to come forward.
“We are open to hearing another side of the story, including from the driver who possibly did not know they hit Buddy,” said McLaughlin. “We need to solve this mystery for Buddy’s family.”
Rhodes was funny and kind, and a great uncle, said Legouffe, who wore a dark hoodie emblazoned with her brother’s name and the phrase Forever Young in the video.
“He lit up every room he walked into with all of his energy,” she said. “I miss everything about him.”
Police are asking anyone who knows what happened, or knows someone with information, to contact them at 250-378-4262.