Memorial for Tristan Seeger on a bench in Ben Lee Park at Franklyn Road and Houghton Road.

(JESSE TOMAS / iNFOnews.ca)

The mother of a Kelowna teenager struck and killed by a car on the weekend is asking members of the community to not seek retribution in her son's death.

Tristan Seeger, 15, was run over and killed by a car at the intersection of Franklin Road and Houghton Road in the Rutland neighbourhood, Saturday afternoon, Oct 21. 

RCMP are investigating his death as a homicide. Investigators said the teenager was hit by a vehicle and taken to hospital in critical condition where he died from his injuries. Police also said the collision was associated to a nearby earlier incident involving a group of teens where a number of people were bear sprayed.

No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

Mourners brought teddy bears, flowers, food and drink to Ben Lee Park on Sunday for a vigil to honour Seeger, celebrate his life and mourn his loss.

“There were hundreds of people there. I was humbled by how many people my child touched,” Tristan’s mother Paule Seeger said. “He was an old soul, he was wise beyond his years. He had a completely cheeky grin and crazy sense of humour, and he’d light up a room when he walked into it.

“That coward that mowed my son down may have killed his body, but he’s never going to kill his memory.”

She believes RCMP and the courts will bring Tristan’s killer to justice.

“I truly believe the RCMP is working tirelessly. I’ve seen firsthand how this has affected them. They have been very supportive and incredibly kind to us in this difficult time,” Paule said. “I want everyone to not seek retribution. I want people to work with the RCMP so they can do their jobs so the court can do their jobs, because I do believe that’s the way it needs to go.” 

Anyone with video or information regarding these incidents are asked to phone Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file number 2023-63092. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestoppers.net.

— This story was updated at 2:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, with information from RCMP.

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