‘He was everything’: Lanark OPP, family of hit-and-run victim release video

As the investigation continues into the hit-and-run death of a Montague Township man, provincial police and the man’s mother have released a video message to the public.

The body of Steven Tate, 34, was found on November 8, 2023, adjacent to Highway 15, near Smiths Falls.  

He had been reported missing on Nov. 4, the last day he was seen alive, and it’s believed he was struck around 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) released a video on Thursday along with Donna Tate, Steven’s mother with the hope of finding the still unidentified suspect.

“I miss his smile, I miss his hugs every day,” Tate said in the video. “He was everything to me. He was my only child.”

Both Tate and the Lanark OPP are imploring the hit-and-run driver to do the right thing and come forward.

“Do the honest thing and turn yourself in,” she said. “They say there’s no worse pain in the world than losing a child and I have been in pain since my child died.”

In May, investigators released video and still images of a vehicle, believed to be involved in Steven’s death.

The video shows a dark-coloured hatchback or sedan, believed to be a Mazda, which would have damage to the front passenger side.

Detectives want to speak with anyone who may recognize the car or saw a potential match with the damage described above, anytime after 8 p.m. on November 3, 2023.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.