VALEMOUNT

Wednesday, July 5, 2023 |4:01 pm

The Valemount RCMP continue their investigation into a crash that claimed the life of a 46-year-old Merritt woman on Wednesday near Valemount…

Police say shortly after midnight, Valemount RCMP responded to an automated cell phone crash notification on Highway 16 near Lucerne Lake.

When police arrived, they found a Nissan Frontier running, unlocked and a dog inside. There were no other vehicles in the area when police arrived.

A closer examination of the scene showed a woman, in the ditch down an embankment near the vehicle. Sadly, she was deceased.

Evidence located at the scene suggests the woman may have been outside of her car and was struck by a vehicle. Police located head light assembly that has been identified as belonging to a 2016 to 2018 Jeep Cherokee and grey in colour. We encourage the driver to contact the police.

Police would like to speak with anyone who may have been in the area between 11:00 pm on the July 4, 2023 and shortly after midnight on July 5, 2023, that may have seen the woman and or her vehicle alongside the highway. As well as anyone who may have dash cam video. 

Claire Newman, 46. A council member for the community of Merritt. – Submitted

The identity of the woman has been released. She has been identified as Claire Newman. Claire was a council member for the community of Merritt and in a tweet earlier Wednesday, the town is saddened for her loss.

Condolences goes out to her family and friends.

If you have any information about this, contact the Valemount RCMP at (250) 566-4466.