Family seeks justice for 26-year-old killed by hit-run driver in Maplewood, offers $25K reward

The sister of a 26-year-old pedestrian killed in Maplewood says she will not rest until the hit-and-run driver is found.

Choulykor Vue’s family and community members have contributed to a $25,000 reward, said Gaocher Yang, Vue’s older sister.

“I am looking for justice, closure, peace,” Yang said Monday.

Vue died Saturday night and police said Monday afternoon they continue to work to identify the driver, who left the scene.

Maplewood police and fire responded to the crash in the 1200 block of Lakewood Drive North, off Maryland Avenue, about 8:30 p.m. There is an assisted living facility and townhome community in the area.

Vue, who lived nearby with his sister, was out for a walk with his girlfriend, according to Yang. She said she heard chaos, ran over and saw her brother in the street. She began CPR, but realized he had a severe head wound.

“I tried to stop the blood and I tried to comfort him at this point,” she said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police, who do not have a description of the vehicle, said it likely has heavy front-end damage. A witness reported a male driving a black sedan, who may have seen what happened, pulled over briefly and then left the area. It was dark at the time, according to Sgt. Joe Steiner.

“We really hope that someone will come forward, either someone who heard something or the drivers themselves,” Steiner said.

Anyone with information about the striking vehicle or the driver who was a potential witness is asked to contact Steiner at 651-249-2608 or Joe.Steiner@maplewoodmn.gov.

Yang said her brother was a big-hearted person.

“He was very genuine, humble, always had a smile on his face, always wanted to help out others,” she said. “He was a great uncle, a great son, a great sibling.”

HOW TO HELP

Another sister of Choulykor Vue is accepting donations for his funeral and burial expenses. People can contribute via PayPal to nukivue55@gmail.com.