Keith Rigby wants a driver to come forward after his wife was struck and seriously injured on their nightly walk Monday.
The Arnprior man was with his 54-year-old wife Colette Rigby around 7:45 p.m. when she was hit by a mystery vehicle just 50 metres from their home.
"I didn't see any lights, didn't hear the vehicle, didn't see anything at all," he said of the hit-and-run crash. "We were chatting away and next thing, the sound of the crash and she was thrown in front of me."
Colette now has a serious brain injury that's left her awake, but still affected.
"She's now responsive and able to hold a conversation, but short-term memory loss is there right now," Keith said.
Police said the only description they have of the vehicle is it could be a red pick-up truck or similar-sized vehicle.
They said they can't assume the vehicle is from Arnprior, just west of Ottawa, because the town is a common stopping-off spot for drivers on Highway 17.
Citizens of the residential area where she was hit said they're shaken.
"I just want to keep my eyes open and be careful, that's the main thing," said Steve Rouleau.
"That's terrible, own up to it," said another resident.
Keith said while his focus is on his wife's recovery, he's hoping the driver turns themselves in.
"Have a conscience and do the right thing," he said. "If you hit a deer on the road you'd stop for that, so do the right thing and come forward."
If you have any information on the crash you can call police at 613-623-3131.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem
