POLICE – Investigation into Merritt councillor’s death continues

Valemount RCMP continue their investigation into a crash that claimed the life of Merritt councillor Claire Newman on Wednesday (July 5, 2023).

Shortly after midnight, police responded to an automated cell phone crash activation on Highway 16 near Lucerne Lake. They found a Nissan Frontier running, unlocked and a dog inside.

There were no other vehicles in the area when police arrived, said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson.
The body of Newman, 46, was found in the ditch down an embankment near the vehicle.

Saunderson said evidence located at the scene suggests Newman may have been outside of her car and was struck by a vehicle. Police located a headlight assembly that has been identified as belonging to a 2016 to 2018 Jeep Cherokee, 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 p.m. on July 4 and shortly after midnight on July 5 who may have seen Newman and/ or her vehicle alongside the highway, as well as anyone who may have dash cam video.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Valemount RCMP at (250) 566-4466.

Newman was elected councillor for the City of Merritt on Oct. 15 last year, and previously served as a councillor for the District of Logan Lake.
She was travelling to see family at the time she was struck and killed.

“To lose a light like Claire Newman in such a tragic way has left a giant hole in my heart and the heart of everyone who came into contact with her,” said Merritt Mayor Michael Goetz.

“Claire was the cheerleader of this Council and a driving force that you rarely come across. Getting to know Claire over the past six months has been a great pleasure and I am a better person for having known her. To her family and friends, I offer my deepest sympathies. Claire, you will be missed.”

“I have loved working with Claire,” said Merritt CAO Sean Smith. “She was vibrant, curious, and had a passion for people that was contagious. Saying goodbye to friends is hard. I will miss her. And on behalf of all City staff, our sincere condolences go out to her family.”

The regular City council meeting scheduled for July 11 has been cancelled. City Hall will be accepting flowers for anyone wishing to honour Newman’s memory.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) also issued a statement mourning Newman’s death.

“The TNRD family offers its condolences, and expresses its sympathy for Claire’s friends and family, and for the respective council members, staff members and residents within the City of Merritt and District of Logan Lake,” it said.

“If you can’t see the sunshine, be the sunshine. Claire was our sunshine,” said Robin Smith, Vice-Chair of the TNRD and Mayor of the District of Logan Lake.

Flags outside both Merritt City Hall and the TNRD Civic Building in Kamloops will be lowered to half-mast in mourning of Newman’s passing.