Family of hit and run victim pleading for driver to 'do the right thing' after tragedy

Q Radio News

The heartbroken family of a hit and run victim from Limavady have appealed for the driver involved to "do the right thing" and come forward to help them find peace in the wake of the tragedy.

21-year-old Willis Vogel was riding his Kawasaki motorcycle when it was involved in a collision with a black BMW X5 in County Tyrone on Sunday the 31st of May.

It happened on the Meenacloy Road between Castlederg and Ederney.

The driver of the car failed to stop and fled the scene with the vehicle later found in County Donegal.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, including charity organisation Air Ambulance NI, Willis died at the scene and was laid to rest in Enagh Cemetery in Limavady last Wednesday.

Hit and run victim Willis Vogel. 

“He has left a massive impact on everyone’s life and we will miss him and remember him forever,” said Christa, sister of the victim.

“It is just adding to the pain and heartache that the person has not come forward. We urge them to please do the right thing."

Despite the shock and uncertainty of the past week, friends and relatives have managed to raise almost £15,000 for Air Ambulance NI in memory of Willis - 10 times their original target.

"He would have been buzzing to be able to give that amount of money to such an important service," said the victim's oldest sister, Rebecca.

The family are appealing to anyone who may have information, and ultimately the driver themselves, to come forward as soon as possible.