FREDERIC SERRE
The 1510 West

The son of two cyclists struck and severely injured on the weekend in Rigaud by a hit-and-run driver has joined police in asking for the public’s help in apprehending the suspect.

“First and foremost, they are alive – my mom has been discharged from the hospital and my dad is in very serious condition, but he’s expected to live,” said Robert Da Rocha in a statement on Monday, nearly 48 hours after his parents were mowed down by a speeding motorist, who then fled the scene, leaving the couple severely injured.

The incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Haut-de-la-Chute Road near St. Thomas Road as Mario Da Rocha and Julie Gagnon, both of Hudson, were participating in a local fundraising cycling event.

“Preliminary information suggests that a motorist collided with the two cyclists and did not remain at the scene,” the Sûreté du Québec said in a press release hours after the incident, while announcing a manhunt throughout the region. “The vehicle involved is believed to be a GMC Terrain pickup truck, black in colour, with front-end damage.”

Robert Da Rocha was a star player with the Beaconsfield Rugby Football Club in 2017 before attending Concordia University, where he played for the Stingers football team. Today, however, he is looking to tackle whoever struck his parents, who are described as avid outdoors and cycling enthusiasts. A Facebook post about the accident garnered impassionate words of support from friends and neighbours of the family.

According to the SQ, investigators are teaming up with Transport Quebec to obtain surveillance camera footage from all highways in the Vaudreuil-Dorion region in the hopes of tracking down the suspect vehicle.

“If you have any information, please call 1-800-659-4264,” Da Rocha wrote. “For all my Hudson/Rigaud/St Laz friends, can you please share this post. Any little bit is extremely appreciated.”