Gastonia mother pleading for information in June hit-and-run death of her son

GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - Almost four months after Chris McAllister died from injuries suffered in a hit and run collision, his mother is asking the Gastonia community to come forward with information as the search for a suspect continues.

On June 9, Chris McAllister was riding his moped at the intersection of North Ransom Street and West Walnut Avenue when he was hit by a car that never stopped. He was rushed to the hospital for multiple surgeries.

His mother, Kathy McAllister, was out of town and didn’t know about the incident until hours later. By then, Chris McAllister had died.

“He never woke up from [surgery]. He was declared brain dead. I never really got to know exactly what happened or say goodbye,” she said.

Kathy McAllister says there’s no photos, video or license plate number of the car.

“Someone knows what happened that day. Someone may have information that could bring this family some answers and help them find a measure of peace,” said the Gastonia Police Department on Facebook. “Even the smallest piece of information could make a difference.”

Both Kathy McAllister and her 17-year-old granddaughter Zoey, who is Chris McAllister’s only child, are trying to process their grief. But, that’s proving to be difficult without clarity on what happened that night.

“The grief is just totally consuming. If I let myself go to that place I just can’t function. I can’t do anything,” said McAllister. “[Zoey] sleeps in his sweatshirt. She has a shrine up there with pictures that remind her of him.”

If you have information about this incident, you’re asked to get in touch with law enforcement. There is a $1,000 reward for information and you can remain anonymous.

• Gastonia Police- 704-866-6702, ask for Officer Eichelberger
• Crime Stoppers- 704-861-8000

“Think about it if someone did this to you wouldn’t you want to know and try and get some peace out of that? Surely this must be tearing at someone’s heart whoever did this,” said McAllister.