'Come forward so we can let Ari rest': Canmore family appeals for fatal hit-and-run information
The parents of a Canmore woman killed along the Trans-Canada Highway on the morning of her 20th birthday are pleading for the public's help.
Ariana Blackwood was walking home from a night out Sunday morning when she was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.
The vehicle's driver has not yet been identified.
The Blackwood family is hoping someone in the area either knows -- or saw -- something.
Blackwood was with her sister celebrating her birthday on Saturday night. At one point while leaving the bar Sunday morning, the pair was separated.
Mounties have pieced together footage from home and business security cameras that show her walking shortly after. She travelled from the pub on Railway Avenue to Bow Valley Road. At one point, she was within half a kilometer of the Canmore Hospital.
Blackwood was struck and killed near the Canmore visitor information centre some time later.
Police are still trying to find out her exact route. They say any footage taken in the vicinity of the Canmore Hospital and Canmore information centre between 2:30 a.m. and 3:50 a.m. on May 1 may help.
"We have a blank space we need to fill in," Mark Blackwood said to CTV News.
"Come forward so we can let Ari rest," Jodi Blackwood added. "She deserves that. This is very important for us to bring some peace for her."
'A STAR'
Blackwood's parents only have great things to say about their daughter.
She was studying physics at the University of Waterloo and was a star student and athlete.
From gymnastics to the cadets to biathlon, Mark says she did it all.
"She was pretty close to perfect and her friends thought the same," he said. "And she was organized. She had her life planned to the week -- from 18-years-old up until when she was probably retiring."
Her mom says Blackwood was also a social butterfly. "She'd walk in a room and she'd light it up," Jodi said. "Just really kind and open to new ideas and accepting of new people."
Blackwood was with her sister celebrating her birthday on Saturday night.
EXTENSIVE SEARCH
Authorities are still looking for the driver and hope more information might be gathered from video surveillance from area residents and businesses.
"Investigators are seeking any information regarding the movements of a slim blonde female wearing light blue jeans and a black shirt with sleeves," RCMP said in a release.
Anyone who drove through Canmore on Highway 1 between 3 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. and saw a woman walking in the area might also be able to help.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Canmore RCMP at 403-678-5519. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
"People start coming to me to hopefully get closure and heal themselves," Jodi said. "And, right now, I have none to give. Please help us if you can."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.