Diane Lummiss recently returned to the spot where she and her service dog in training, Mac, were struck by a passing ATV on June 23 while walking along a multi-use rail trail south of Markdale.
The collision left Lummiss with serious injuries, including a sprained wrist, near-dislocated hip, spinal contusion, neck trauma, and another concussion. She was airlifted to hospital and now relies on crutches and a wrist brace for mobility.
At the time of the incident, Lummiss was walking to raise funds for cancer research in memory of her late mother. The tragic accident not only halted her 50 km journey but also took the life of Mac, who had been helping her cope with anxiety and panic attacks since a prior accident in 2017.
Lummiss, with no memory of the incident and believing she was unconscious for up to 45 minutes, is pleading for the individual responsible to come forward. Her motivation is justice for Mac, whose loss she describes as deeply personal and irreplaceable. She has placed a memorial at the site, marked by Mac’s ashes, flowers, and his leash.
Despite her injuries, Lummiss is determined to complete the remaining 15 km of her walk, likely returning to the same trail as a tribute to Mac. She continues to ask the public for any information about the hit-and-run, encouraging people to contact Grey-Bruce OPP or Crime Stoppers.