On the one-year anniversary of the hit-and-run death of Dr. Cathy Donovan, her family and law enforcement announced a new $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Donovan, a 56-year-old man who had been a family doctor for almost 30 years, was hit while walking her dogs on the side of Route 169 in Onamia exactly a year ago. The driver never stopped.

Donovan’s sisters, Dr. Robin Councilman and Christy Pemberton, were joined by Dr. Arden Virnig – the chief of staff for the Mille Lacs Health System, where Donovan worked – and Mille Lacs County Sheriff Kyle Burton, near Highway 169, where she was struck and killed.

The councilman recalled the press conference his family held almost a year ago offering a $10,000 reward for information on the file. This reward has now been increased to $25,000.

“At that time, I think I spoke very compassionately about the person who killed her,” the councilman said. “I really thought this was someone who was probably driving impaired, who was distracted and dismayed and scared by what he had done and who would eventually decide he couldn’t live with himself and come forward and accept your responsibilities. …And yet, this year has been very long and has proven me wrong.

Christy Pemberton, another of Donovan’s sisters, said the person responsible “abruptly and violently ended the life of a mother, a daughter, a sister, a niece, an aunt , of a beautiful, loving, generous, encouraging and generous friend and healer.”

“This person drove down that highway with my sister on the hood of her car until she fell or was thrown into the street,” Pemberton said. “Unless they were literally asleep at the wheel, they must have known what they were doing.”

Billboards asking for tips about Donovan’s death remain along Route 169 in Mille Lacs County.

In addition to increasing the reward amount, the family says the money will be paid to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest rather than a conviction.

“If you know something, if you suspect something, if you are the person who did this, come forward,” the councilor said.

Investigators I thought I took a break from the business in Marchbut then cleared the driver of a Tesla, what was seen on video in the area when this happened.

Burton said a witness told investigators that Donovan was talking to someone in a sedan — possibly a Ford Focus — briefly before she was struck. The sheriff says the identity of the driver could help solve the case.

“I want to know who this person is and I want to know who the driver of this car was,” Burton said. “This could be quite relevant to this investigation, and it is one of the stones that still remains to be resolved. This case has bothered me since day one and it will continue to bother me until we find out who is responsible for this case.

Wednesday’s outpouring of love and grief extended to Donovan’s colleagues and friends at Mille Lacs Health System.

A large group gathered at Onamia Hospital to dedicate a new cafeteria in Donovan’s name.

“I believe Cathy was a living manifestation of the beliefs of our health care system,” said colleague and friend Dr. Virnig. “Thank you, Cathy, for your life, your love and your smile. We all miss you.

Meanwhile, Donovan’s family members hope the person responsible will be brought to justice.

“And so please, if you know anything, if you suspect anything, if you are the person who did this, please come forward. Give this information to law enforcement or Crime Stoppers,” the councilor said. “Nothing will bring us back Cathy, but a little justice would help us move forward and heal. »

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office at 320-983-8346.