Progress Hinted in Probe of Hit-Run Death of NT Student

Ryan Fisher, 16, was the victim of a hit and run. Somewhere, the driver lurks, conscious of his or her brutal, cowardly crime.

There are still no arrests but around-the-clock police work by the Niagara County Sheriff's Dept. may soon crack the veil of secrecy surrounding the tragic hit-and-run death of a North Tonawanda teenager last month that has left his school and the community grieving at his loss.

"We're still looking for clues but we are making headway," said Niagara County Undersheriff Mike Felicetti on Monday night (Dec. 22) concerning the probe into the hit-run death of 16-year-old Ryan Fischer on the evening of Nov. 20 on Krueger Road in the Town of Wheatfield. Felicetti's statement is the first hint that authorities are making progress in the case.

"One Niagara County resident has put up $5,000 in reward money to go with the $1,000 of Crime Stoppers, Inc. money to help find the driver of that car," said Felicetti. Fischer died from his injuries shortly after being taken to Erie County Medical Center by ambulance.

Authorities believe the car that struck Fischer may be a white or light silver sedan, with right front passenger side damage. Fischer, a popular North Tonawanda High School student, was walking with a female friend shortly after 7 p. m. on Nov. 20 on Krueger Road when he was fatally injured by the hit-run driver.

Grief counselors and social workers have gone to North Tonawanda High School to work with students on the terrible tragedy that took the life of their classmate who was described on Facebook by the mother of a friend as a "friendly, funny, and hard-working young man. He loved his family and friends with all his heart and was very protective. He will live forever in our hearts. He will be missed."

Undersheriff Felicetti said police have been working tirelessly to break the case, and while he stopped short of saying an arrest was imminent, he did say that the investigation is making headway and he urged anyone who may have information to contact the sheriff's department at 438-3327 or 438-3394.