An unexpected, tragic loss in the political scene in the region.
Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz says Councillor Claire Newman was killed by a hit and run driver outside of Valemount last night, July 4.
“She had texted me last night that she was going to pick up a family member that had a stranded car in Edson and then she was going to fly to a friends place and help her out for a while because [her friend] is dealing with a cancer situation and she wanted to be there for her friend,” Goetz told RadioNL.
“I told her to be safe and drive safe and we will see you when you get back.”
Goetz says early indications are Newman was out of her vehicle when she was struck.
“To leave someone laying on the side of the road…I mean there’s a possibility some help could have been given to help her. But to just leave, you gotta come forward to clear your conscience and stand up for yourself because this is a cowardly, cowardly act,” he said.
“Claire was the cheerleader of this Council and a driving force that you rarely come across. Getting to know Claire over the past six months has been a great pleasure and I am a better person for having known her. To her family and friends, I offer my deepest sympathies. Claire you will be missed.”
Merritt CAO Sean Smith says he also loved working with Councillor Newman.
“She was vibrant, curious, and had a passion for people that was contagious. Saying goodbye to friends is hard. I will miss her. And on behalf of all City staff, our sincere condolences go out to her family,” Smith said.
Prior to becoming a Merritt city councillor, Newman was a councillor in the community of Logan Lake for 14 years.
Flags outside Merritt City Hall and the TNRD Civic Building are at half staff, with Council Chambers open for people to leave flowers at Newman’s seat.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is also mourning the tragic and sudden loss of Newman.
“If you can’t see the sunshine, be the sunshine. Claire was our sunshine,” said Robin Smith, Vice-Chair of the TNRD and Mayor of the District of Logan Lake.
I’m deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Merritt councillor Claire Newman.
She was dedicated to her community and will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, fellow councillors as well as to the residents of Merritt and Logan Lake. https://t.co/8IE0tcpsfk— Anne Kang (@AnneKangMLA) July 5, 2023
– With files from Brett Mineer
