The daughter of an Abbotsford couple injured in a hit-and-run collision two weeks ago says her parents want the driver to come forward so he or she “can be forgiven and not be bound by his guilt.”
Brenda Golden said her parents, John and Dolores Matties, are “very, very upbeat” people and, although still traumatized by what happened, are otherwise coping well with the aftermath of the crash.
The couple had attended a Bible study session on Wednesday, June 1, and were dropped off at about 10:15 p.m. across from their home in the area of Clearbrook Road and Melmar Avenue.
Golden said her parents, childhood sweethearts who have been married 60 years, told her they did not see any traffic when they began to cross the road – they weren’t in a crosswalk – from east to west. They were holding on to one another when they were struck by a southbound vehicle.
John, 82, took the brunt off the crash and was thrown so hard that he was lifted out of his shoes. Dolores, 78, was a bit ahead and did not take the full impact of the collision.
The driver fled the area, leaving the injured couple on the road.
The pair were rushed to hospital, and their six children were informed.
“It’s pretty startling to hear that both your parents have been involved in an accident like this … and to know that somebody could (drive) away from that was pretty disconcerting,” Golden said.
John suffered extensive injuries that include two broken ankles, skull fractures, crushed facial bones and a broken arm. He was in hospital until Monday, and is now recovering in a local rehabilitation facility.
“It’s going to take him a long time to recover,” Golden said.
Dolores, who has arthritis and fibromyalgia, suffered some back pain, a swollen hand, and scrapes and bruises. She was released from hospital a few hours after the collision and is back at home.
“She’s pretty shaken up, and she’s in a lot of pain,” Golden said.
She said this is the longest the couple has been separated in all their years together.
Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald said investigators interviewed witnesses and are continuing to gather forensic and video evidence.
They are still trying to track down the driver involved in the incident and are looking for a black 2014 to 2016 Toyota Corolla, which will likely have damage on the passenger side close to the side-view mirror.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the APD at 604-859-5225, text abbypd (222973) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.