Family mourns man killed in hit-and-run crash while walking on Kannapolis road

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — A 34-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run crash Wednesday morning near Kannapolis Parkway, police said. His family told Channel 9 they are heartbroken over losing him.

According to a spokesperson with the City of Kannapolis, police officers were called around 3:30 a.m. near the intersection of Kannapolis Parkway and Starlight Drive for a crash. Officers found a man in the roadway who had been hit by a vehicle.

The victim, Montreal T. Mathis, died at the intersection, authorities said Thursday.

The spokesperson said witnesses reported Mathis was walking on the road and wearing dark clothing.

Mathis’ brother, Chris Mathis, told Channel 9′s Hannah Goetz losing his brother still doesn’t feel real. He said he got the news Wednesday morning. Not only are they wondering who hit his brother, but Chris wants to know why the driver didn’t stop to help him.

“It really put life in a standstill,” Chris said.

Chris said he and his brother were less than two years apart. He always looked up to Montreal.

“It’s just hard when you grow up beside somebody and you think you are going to grow old with that person and we both become successful together, and now, it’s just me,” he said.

Montreal leaves behind a 9-year-old daughter the family lovingly calls Sissy. Chris said Montreal had recently fallen on hard times, but was working to get back on track and make life better for his family.

“I always know that the future is always better. As long as you keep trying hard, the future is always greater, but I feel like that driver robbed him of his future,” he said.

The family said they now wait and hope for justice.

“Rake care of your family and love on them while you have them because you never know when they will leave,” Chris said.

Police told Goetz they’re following leads in the case but are not releasing any possible car descriptions at this time.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

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