A Long Road's End: Tristan Roby, Devastated by 2019 Hit-and-Run, Finds Peace at 23

After a grueling, five-year journey marked by unimaginable pain and unwavering dedication, Tristan Roby, the young man whose life was irrevocably shattered in a devastating 2019 hit-and-run, has finally found his peace. He passed away recently at the age of 23, leaving behind a family both heartbroken by their loss and, in a way, relieved that his arduous struggle has come to an end.

His mother, Jacqueline Roby, spoke with a profound mix of sorrow and solace, telling CTV News London, "He is at peace." It's a sentiment many can only begin to grasp – the quiet, painful relief that comes when a loved one's suffering finally ceases. For five long years, Tristan required round-the-clock care, a testament to the catastrophic injuries he sustained on that fateful night.

Cast your mind back to July 21, 2019. Tristan, then just 18, was riding his skateboard at the intersection of Exeter Road and Watson Street in London, Ontario, when he was struck. The impact was brutal. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, and his life, as he knew it, was instantly gone. He never truly recovered, remaining in a state that demanded constant medical attention and tireless support, unable to walk or speak as he once could.

Jacqueline became his primary caregiver, navigating a labyrinth of medical needs, therapies, and emotional challenges that would break most people. "Every single day was a challenge," she shared, her voice thick with emotion, "but you just keep going, don't you?" It was a full-time, all-encompassing commitment, a testament to a mother's boundless love. The community, thankfully, rallied around them, organizing fundraisers and offering support, which certainly helped, but could never truly lift the immense weight of their daily reality.

The legal fight, too, has been a long and winding road. Immediately following the incident, arrests were made and charges laid against several individuals. However, over time, many of those charges were either withdrawn or didn't directly address the driver of the vehicle responsible for hitting Tristan. To this day, the investigation into the driver of the vehicle remains open and active, a frustrating reality for a family desperate for full accountability and a resolution.

Tristan's passing, while perhaps anticipated given his prolonged medical state, still marks a heartbreaking chapter's close. It signifies the end of his personal battle, a battle fought with incredible courage by him and, even more so, by his devoted mother. As his family mourns, the broader question of justice for that 2019 hit-and-run still hangs in the air, a solemn reminder that while Tristan may finally be at peace, the pursuit of justice for him continues.