The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE family of 29-year-old hit-and-run victim Devon Butler has launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise $7,000 for his funeral, saying they are still fighting for answers about his death.

Mr Butler, a father of one, had celebrated his birthday only weeks before the tragedy. He was walking east on Robinson Road around 2am when he was struck by a dark-coloured Acura, then run over by a second vehicle. Police said the first driver stopped, but the second did not.

His sister, Latoya Smith, said yesterday the family is struggling to cope. She noted that their mother was also hurt in a hit-and-run earlier this year and that months later their father died from illness, leaving the family emotionally and financially drained.

Ms Smith said she believes those responsible for the crash should contribute to the funeral expenses. She called the situation painful and unfair to a family already overwhelmed, but said police told her it is their responsibility to pay for the burial.

She added it was unfortunate her brother did not have life insurance.

Ms Smith said the loss has shaken her deeply. “Every day I just can't eat, I can’t sleep,” she said tearfully. “I have nightmares trying to figure out what happened to my brother.”

She said she has repeatedly contacted police for updates but has received no information. She said officers initially told the family that the first driver was in custody and cooperating, but she has never been informed of the result. She said she was also never told whether the second driver who fled was caught.

Mr Butler leaves behind a young son he worked hard to support. Ms Smith said even her own child has been struggling, noting that the boys attended church together every Sunday.

This will be the family’s first Christmas without Mr Butler, and Ms Smith said the holiday season feels profoundly different.

She added that although she and her siblings endured a difficult childhood, including time spent in children’s homes, her brother always pushed for better. “I admire about Devon, he would keep trying and pushing, regardless of the situation,” she said. “He was a happy, joyful person. He died in his work clothes.”

As of press time, the GoFundMe effort had raised $320.