Reward doubled to $100K in fatal Moose Factory hit-and-run

As police on the James Bay coast of northern Ontario continue to search for suspects in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a 21-year-old woman in Moose Factory, the reward for information has doubled to $100,000.

Nov. 7 marks the one-year anniversary of Loni Chum's death.

A recent photo of Loni Chum. (Photo courtesy of Delilah Chum)

"Police believe she was struck by a pickup truck at approximately 3 a.m." on Jaban Street in Moose Factory, Moose Cree First Nation, Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release.

Three months ago, the Ontario government offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Chum's death.

Now, the First Nation will match the reward "to reflect the community's unwavering commitment to seeking justice for Loni."

The investigation is a collaboration between the OPP and Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service.

"We believe the community holds key information to solve this crime and hope the increased reward encourages anyone with details, no matter how small, to come forward," OPP Det. Isp. Tom McVey said in a news release.

"Loni's family and the community deserve to know the truth. In partnership with NAPS and support from Moose Cree First Nation leadership, we remain dedicated to solving this case and bringing resolution to Loni's loved ones."

A few days after Chum was found with critical injuries and later died in hospital, police released photos of two pickup trucks seen in the area at the time of the suspected crash.

A red pickup truck was seen on the street where the incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. that same morning and a dark-coloured pickup truck was seen on the street about 10 minutes later.

The investigation is continuing and OPP Const. Kyler Brouwer told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in August the two pickup trucks have been identified.

"The investigation has progressed since the appeal to the public regarding the trucks," Brouwer said.

"Investigators are now seeking people with knowledge of what transpired that night, and who is responsible for Loni Chum’s death."

Anyone with knowledge of the incident should contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122, 705-329-6111 or nearest police authority.

"Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000," police said.