Student killed in hit-and-run

A second-year Graphic Design student has died from his injuries sustained during a hit-and-run early last Tuesday morning.

The crash occurred when 19-year-old Matthew Bell was crossing Adelaide Street, just north of Grenfell Drive around 1a.m. He was taken to hospital and placed in critical condition, but succumbed to his injuries later that day.

Although the driver failed to remain at the scene of the collision, the person did contact police shortly after.

Police said the road was closed during the investigation and the driver has been interviewed, but no charges have been laid. Officials are still investigating the case.

Bell had been at Jack's on Richmond Street with other Fanshawe students celebrating a birthday before the collision, according to second-year Graphic Design student Gen Kazak.

“He was very, very popular,” said the Manager of Fanshawe's Marketing and Communications, Emily Marcoccia, after talking with teachers and friends of Bell at the college. “He was one of the favourite's in his group of friends.”

“The college wants to express deep, deep, deep sadness in losing someone so young,” Marcoccia said. “This is a huge loss and a sad day.”

“He was a typical 19-year-old,” Bell's mother Irene told the London Free Press. “He had a girlfriend. He loved to go out. He loved people and everybody loved Matt. He's going to be missed by so many people.”

Grief counselling is available for studnets and staff at Counselling and Student Life, F2010.

Visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1997 Dundas, on Friday, February 17 from 2-4 pm and 7-9pm. There will also be a memorial service at the same location on Saturday, February 18 at 11am.
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