Family of Surrey hit-and-run victim pleads for witnesses to come forward

The family of a man killed in a hit-and-run in Surrey one year ago on Monday says they are “desperate for answers and for justice,” and is pleading for witnesses to come forward.

On July 29, 2023, 31-year-old Zachary Frise was struck on 128 Street near 82 Avenue just after 12:30 a.m.

After being taken to hospital, Frise died from his injuries.

At the time of the crash, investigators believed that a blue sedan was driving north along 128 Street when it hit Frise. “The subsequent collision resulted in the vehicle sustaining obvious front-end damage,” police said in July last year.

Mounties said at the time that the driver of the sedan took off after the crash, and was last seen continuing northbound.

Police have not yet been able to locate the driver of the vehicle, which they believe to be a Tesla.

“There is potential that the Tesla’s dash camera recorded footage of the collision or captured the suspect vehicle/driver that fled the scene. The Tesla driver may be unaware they drove by a fatal collision,” police said last year.

Frise’s family released a public statement Monday, saying the plea for answers comes “from the deepest part of our hearts.”

“The pain and grief of losing him has been unbearable for our entire family. Not a day goes by that we don’t miss his bright smile and charismatic personality. There will always be a heartache that can never be healed. Zachary was a wonderful and loving son, daddy, husband, brother, and friend. His loss has left an irreplaceable void in our lives,” the family wrote.

“We are desperate for answers and for justice. We have been living in a state of anguish, knowing that the person responsible for this tragedy is still out there. We are writing to you today to implore anyone who might have witnessed the accident or who might have any information to come forward.

“Even the smallest detail could be crucial in helping us find the person responsible for Zachary’s death. Your information could provide us with the closure we so desperately need and help ensure that justice is served. If you saw or heard anything on that fateful night, please, we beg you, don’t keep it to yourself,” the letter said.

The family is urging anyone with information about the fatal crash, and the driver, to come forward to police. Anyone with information, including CCTV and dash camera footage, can contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file 2023-126345.

“Your courage in coming forward could make all the difference. Zachary’s life was cut short in a senseless act, and we are left to pick up the pieces. But with your help, we can find some measure of peace and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Please, from one human being to another, help us find justice for Zachary,” the Frise family said.