(Stewart Fleury was 67 when he was struck by a vehicle and died. (Submitted/ Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Unanswered questions

Prince Albert man’s sudden death leaves family with unanswered questions

Mar 23, 2023 | 5:08 PM

Nearly five months have passed since Karen’ Fleury’s older brother was struck and killed by a vehicle in Prince Albert’s East Hill area.

Speaking with paNOW on Thursday, Fleury explained she has many unanswered questions, not the least of which is why the driver, who left the scene and returned 20 minutes later, was never charged.

“Even if Stewie stepped out into the street, you still did not have that right to hit him and leave,” she said. “Maybe that few minutes would have saved Stewie’s life.”

Stewart Fleury, 67, was killed in the early morning hours of Oct. 27. His body was found near the intersection of 28th St. E. and Fifth Ave. East. Fleury explained said she was told her brother, who lived in the area, had gone down the street to a convenience store to get cigarettes.

“According to his bank statement, he didn’t make it there,” she said

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Roughly five hours later, Fleury received a knock on her door and a police officer broke the tragic news Stewart was hit. According to information obtained in the months following by Fleury, there were 22 minutes between the first 9-1-1 call and the driver’s call. The autopsy report also revealed Stewart was struck from behind.

A picture of Stewart and his sister Karen. (Submitted/ Karen Fleury)

Earlier this month Fleury met with the Crown Prosecutor and, she explained, she was told no charges were being laid because there was not enough evidence proving the charge without reasonable doubt.

Fleury was also informed the file was now closed. But Fleury, who argues the decision was made without the autopsy report, wants the case re-opened and a second set of eyes to look if something was missed.

“There were four people in that vehicle, why did nobody question them,” she said.

Prince Albert Police released a statement with respect to the investigation.

“The investigation has determined that the collision was non-criminal and accidental. After a review by the Crown, police can confirm that no charges will be laid.”

At the time of his death, Stewart was living in low-income housing and was collecting a pension. Fleury noted how in her brother’s free time, he also liked doing odd jobs for people, and would collect bottles.

“90 per cent of the time, his bottles went to my grandchildren, so they could go to the Exhibition or to have extra money for whatever they wanted,” she said.

Fleury also said her brother would also go to the store to get himself a treat, and seeing homeless people sitting outside give them what he had, then go back in the store to get himself something else.

“He mattered. Not only to me. Not only to my family but he did matter,” Fleury said through tears.

Prior to his retirement, Stewart also worked for both Venice House and Smitty’s.

Fleury noted she’s never been told the driver’s name, only that he is in his 30’s. She explained one thing that would help the family is at least a letter, which she added could even be written anonymously.

“I just want him to acknowledge yes I did this and I’m sorry,” she said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell