‘He is at peace’: Tristan Roby, victim of 2019 hit-and-run, dies aged 23

Tristan Roby, the victim of a 2019 hit-and-run that left him with life-altering injuries, has died at the age of 23.

A young man who was the victim of a hit-and-run as a teenager seven years ago has died from his injuries, CTV News learned Thursday.

Tristan passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home in London on Feb. 7 at the age of 23, his mother Abby confirmed to CTV News.

He is survived by his mother and sister Mackenzie.

“He was strong and an inspiration to us, but it was his time,” she said in a statement. “He is at peace.”

Cremation has taken place, and a private funeral was held at St. Peter’s Basilica in London Thursday morning.

Those wishing to donate in Tristan’s memory are asked to consider Dale Brain Injury Services or a charity of their choice.

“He touched the lives of his many friends, those who supported him through this journey and were touched by his inspiration, and the community that followed him through his hours of darkness,” his obituary reads.

On the night of July 21, 2019, Tristan was cycling on Exeter Road when he was struck by a vehicle that left the scene. The crash left the then 17-year-old with life-altering injuries, rendering him disabled.

Driver Jesse Bleck was found guilty of failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm and driving while prohibited in August 2023.

In June 2024 Bleck was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison and is prohibited from driving for 10 years. With time already served, Bleck had three years and nine months left on his sentence.

With files from CTV News London’s Nick Paparella, Kristylee Varley and Bryan Bicknell