NATICK, Mass. — The family of the Natick couple critically injured in a hit-and-run last week are urging the driver to come forward and own up to the crime.
“Have a conscience, and step forward and do what’s right,” said Tony Catlin, cousin of victim Kim Gunner.
Gunner, 51, and her husband, Andy Colbert, 39, were walking on Washington Ave., Aug 18., shortly before 6:30 p.m., when a truck jumped the curb and struck the couple before backing up over Gunner’s legs and speeding away. Witnesses say a female was driving and two young men hopped out of the truck and ran from the scene.
“I think what’s troubling to us is, you think about it. You’ve got the people that did this. But then, I think they have parents, right?” Catlin said. “Where’s their moral compass?… It’s baffling. It really is.”
Gunner remains in the hospital with serious injuries. She underwent reconstructive surgery on her jaw, and surgeons are trying to save her shattered leg.
MORE: Police looking into ‘person of interest’ in Natick hit-and-run case that injured couple
Colbert was also injured but later released. His injuries are not just physical, Catlin said.
“He’s certainly in plenty of pain,” Catlin said. “I think there’s anger. You don’t sleep well. There’s a lot trauma mentally in that. I think the big, bright light is the fact that he has been into the surgical ICU, and he has been able to see Kim – the fact that he thought maybe he’d never see her again.”
Natick police have seized the blue Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck believed to be involved in the crime, but have not made any arrests.
The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office put out a renewed call Thursday for information about the crime and video of the truck. Investigators ask anyone who was in the area around the time of the crime to speak with police, including those who were in a brown or tan SUV and a black sedan. Drivers or passengers who may have seen the vehicle in nearby Sherborn or Holliston are also urged to call police at 508-647-9500.
Meanwhile, in their darkest days, the community is rallying around the couple, raising more than $100,000 in a GoFundMe account to help cover their medical expenses.
Bill’s Pizzeria, where Gunner has worked for six years, is donating 10 percent of its Wednesday and Thursday sales to her recovery.
At Kells Beer Company, co-owner Tom Wilber is brewing and selling a special lager for the couple called Natick Strong, with net proceeds from sales going toward a fund for the couple.
“It is heartbreaking,” Wilber said. “When you hear first the initial damage and then more damage to her legs and things, I think they’re in for a long haul, it sounds like.”
But Gunner’s family is hopeful she will recover and be back out walking with her husband again.
“She’s such a fighter,” Catlin said. “We’ve got a long way to go – don’t get me wrong – but this isn’t going to stop Kim.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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