Victim of London hit-and-run Tristan Roby dies after long struggle with injuries
CBC
Tristan Connor Roby, the London, Ont. teenager who survived a catastrophic 2019 hit-and-run that forever altered his life and galvanized a community, has died.
The 24 year old died at home on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, with his family by his side, according to his obituary.
“He touched the lives of his many friends, those who supported him through this journey and were touched by his inspiration, and the community that followed him through his hours of darkness,” the obituary reads.
Roby was 17 when he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike along Exeter Road on July 21, 2019.
The impact threw him more than 10 metres into the air and left him with catastrophic injuries, including a brain injury, a broken jaw, a collapsed lung and a compound fracture in his left leg.
His case drew widespread attention in London and beyond, as his family publicly chronicled his long recovery and advocated for accountability in the years-long court process that followed.
Jesse Bleck, 31, was convicted by a jury in 2024 for failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm and driving while prohibited.
Bleck fled the scene with two others in the vehicle, and was arrested by police six months later after a lengthy search. The defence argued at trial that Bleck hadn't been the one driving, an argument the jury rejected.
Bleck appealed the conviction, but a judge ruled he was "ungovernable" and likely to reoffend.
During sentencing that saw Bleck jailed for 4.5 years and given a 10 year driving ban, Roby's mother Abby read a letter she helped her son write.
"I feel angry that you refuse to take responsibility for your actions that day. I'm angry that you left me for dead on the side of the road. And I'm angry that I will never get married and have children and live a simple, peaceful life, which was all I wished for," the statement said.
In keeping with Roby’s wishes, a private funeral was held in London on Feb. 12, according to the obituary.
Those wishing to honour his memory are invited to donate to the Dale Brain Injury Services or a charity of their choice.
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