Family of hit and run victim Willis Vogel plead with driver to do the right thing

On Sunday May 31, just before 11am, on the Meenacloy Road between Castlederg and Ederney in Co Tyrone, Willis Vogel (21) was riding an orange Kawaski motorcycle when it was involved in a collision with a black BMW X5.

The driver of the BMW failed to stop and fled the scene with the vehicle later found in County Donegal.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, including charity organisation Air Ambulance NI, Willis died at the scene and was laid to rest in Enagh Cemetery in Limavady.

Now the family of Mr Vogel have made an emotional appeal for the driver to come forward.

Sister Christa said: “He has left a massive impact on everyone’s life and we will miss him and remember him forever.

“It is just adding to the pain and heartache that the person has not come forward. We urge them to please do the right thing. We know Willis would if it was the other way around.”

Despite the shock and uncertainty of the past week, friends and family of Willis have managed to raise over £14,000 for Air Ambulance NI.

“He would have been buzzing to be able to give that amount of money to such an important service” said the victim’s oldest sister, Rebecca.

The family, based in Limavady, are appealing to anyone who may have information, and ultimately the driver themselves, to come forward as soon as possible.