The parents of a Port Coquitlam girl killed in a hit-and-run last month made an emotional plea Thursday for the driver to come forward and help bring them closure.

Maggie and Ricky Leung fought back tears while describing the heartbreaking loss of their daughter Annie, who was fatally struck at a crosswalk on Sept. 10.

“We have been suffering a tremendous sorrow,” Ms. Leung said. “She was only 16. She should have had a beautiful life ahead.”

Despite their pain, the Leungs said they’re prepared to forgive Annie’s killer if he can show the courage to turn himself in.

“We understand it was an accident and no one wanted this to happen. We can forgive you and we believe our child, Annie, would forgive you too,” Ms. Leung said while wiping her eyes.

“She was such a kind, caring child in her life.”

The Riverside Secondary School Grade 10 student was crossing the street with a friend at Mary Hill and Pitt River roads at around 4 p.m. when she was run down by a black truck, possibly a Ford F-150.

She was taken to hospital but succumbed to her injuries the next day.

Mounties are still searching for a driver who was captured on surveillance video stopping a black truck just a few doors down from the scene.

He can be seen walking around the front of his vehicle then running out of view toward Leung. About one minute later he reappears, enters the truck and drives away.

“When he gets out of the car and inspects [if there are] any markings on his car, it’s not the right move. So now I would like to ask him to step forward, not to run away or to hide,” Mr. Leung said.

“Tell us what has happened. That is what I want most at this moment.”

Cpl. Jamie Chung said the case has been an emotional one for Mounties, many of whom have children of their own.

He said it’s common for hit-and-run drivers to confess what they did to a family member or friend, and called on those individuals to come forward as well.

“We want to hear from those people too. For anyone who has any information about this collision, we want to hear from you – we need to hear from you.”

Tips can be given to the Coquitlam RCMP Traffic Services at 604-945-1550. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.