Nearly one year after 24-year-old Buddy Rhodes was found dead along the Coquihalla Highway near Merritt, his family is renewing their plea for answers in a heartbreaking appeal released by the BC Highway Patrol.

Rhodes’ body was discovered on August 30, 2024, near Exit 286 — where the Coquihalla intersects with the Princeton Highway. Police believe he was the victim of a suspected hit-and-run while attempting to cross the roadway, though the exact time of the incident remains unknown.

In a newly released video, Rhodes’ sister, Alix Legouffe, speaks directly to the public, asking anyone with information to come forward. “Buddy’s death has impacted all of us in different ways,” Legouffe says in the emotional video. “It’s left a big hole in our lives. We’re still working through the process of how to move on without him.”

Fighting back tears, Legouffe describes her brother as kind, energetic, and full of life — someone who lit up every room he entered. She recalls the pain of missing the small but meaningful moments: phone calls, messages, time with her children — his nieces and nephews. “The last year has been really tough on all of us… I’m getting married in a few weeks and having my brother not there — we’re still trying to figure out how we’re going to do that.”

Legouffe says the uncertainty surrounding her brother’s death has made it even harder for the family to heal. She urges anyone who might know something — no matter how small — to speak up. “If you made a mistake, if you found damage on your vehicle after, please tell someone,” she says. “Our family needs closure. We need some answers. The not knowing is the hardest part of moving forward.”

RCMP continue to investigate but have not identified any suspects. Authorities are asking anyone who was driving through the Merritt area around that time last year — particularly near Exit 286 — to think back and contact investigators if they recall anything unusual.

Anyone with information is urged to contact BC Highway Patrol or Crime Stoppers anonymously.