By Bryan Eneas

Family still seeking answers after brother’s death 7 years ago

Apr 3, 2018 | 5:05 PM

Seven years ago Gloria Naytowhow answered her phone around 4 a.m to find out her only brother died.

John Moses Bird, 49, was struck and killed by a car in the Montreal Lake Cree Nation on April 3, 2011, which also happened to be his birthday.

The driver of the vehicle which killed Bird is still unknown and police haven’t been able to give Naytowhow or her family much more information.

“So far, nothing [new] really, they haven’t had any real leads to go by, but the investigators are still working on the case,” Naytowhow said, adding RCMP officers told her to pass along any tips she receives.

When Bird was found, there were pieces of black plastic scattered around the scene, which police believed were remnants of a bumper. Numerous cars were searched and examined, however no new leads materialized.

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The family ultimately wants closure in the case, and is asking anyone with information to come forward.

For Naytowhow, Bird was seen as a supporting figure in their family.

“He was the only brother to us,” she said as her voice cracked with emotion. “He was our support. He was there for us.”

Bird loved firefighting, hockey and volunteering at community events or activities. She described him as good man who loved joking around and always put his family first.

Naytowhow and her sisters have organized feasts or vigils in Bird’s honour for the last seven years. This year is no exception; a feast is being organized and hosted in Montreal Lake to honour Bird’s memory.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas