Caledonia, Hagersville remember Alex Dalton by painting towns purple in ribbon campaign

A life was cut violently short in Haldimand County. From the death of 23-year-old Alex Dalton, communities seek justice for those responsible and honour the family and community that raised him.

If it were not (for the perpetrators), Alex would be out here supporting his friends as well," said Dalton's father, Wayne. I think that we're looking for some sort of closure, with these people being either caught or turned over or whatever. You never thought you'd have to bury your child."

Dalton's sister, Kaytee, said Alex wouldn't want them to get stuck in grief, but they do need accountability.

We do need that apology," she said. Nothing's going to bring him back. We need these people to do the right thing, do right by their families."

She was adamant that the family did not want anger or hatred toward the perpetrators.

There's a lot of fear, and I guess it's fear that they felt," said Kaytee. It has just got to come down to just apologizing and doing right by doing right by their family."

Organizers handed out hundreds of ribbons and held a raffle on June 12 at Caledonia Zehrs' parking lot. All the proceeds from the raffle are going toward a reward for information about Dalton's death. The reward currently sits at almost $22,000.

The campaign was started by Sherri Lafleur, whose son Julien was a close friend of Alex.

Ribbons were posted on signs and hydro poles to the town limits of Hagersville, and Laura Hornby Arnold then took up the cause to spread to Caledonia.

The community was incredible," she said. It's a cause that affects everyone."

Picking the colour of the ribbon was simple: purple to reflect Alex was the victim of a tragic event and the memory of his heroism to those who loved him. The blue accent is indicative of Alex's favourite colour.

We hope the people responsible will do the right thing," said Kaytee, Alex's sister. We'd hope their conscience speaks to them and they come forward with the truth. We'd love to use the reward as a fund setup in Alex's name."

For those wishing to donate to the reward, please visit GoFundMe page. To anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or have any video surveillance of the area, or who may have any information to assist with the investigation to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.