A year later, authorities are still looking for the driver in the crash that killed the doctor

On the first anniversary of Dr. Cathy Donovan’s death, her family and law enforcement officials announced a new $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Donovan, a 56-year-old who had been a general practitioner for almost thirty years, was hit while walking her dogs on the side of Highway 169 in Onamia exactly one 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 at Mille Lacs Health System, where Donovan worked — and Mille Lacs County Sheriff Kyle Burton near Highway 169, where she was struck and killed.

The councilor recalled the press conference her family held almost a year ago offering a $10,000 reward for information in the case. That reward has now been increased to $25,000.

“I think at the time I spoke with a lot of compassion about the person who killed her,” Councilman said. “I really thought it was someone who was probably impaired in driving, distracted and shocked and scared by what he had done and would eventually decide he couldn’t live with himself and come forward and accept responsibility . … And yet this has been a very long year that has proven me wrong.”

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

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

Billboards posting tips about Donovan’s death line Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County.

In addition to increasing the amount of the reward, the family says the money will go to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest rather than a conviction.

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

Researchers thought they had made a breakthrough in the case in Marchbut later acquitted the driver of a Tesla, which was seen on video in the area around the time it happened.

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

“I want to know who that person is, and I want to know who the driver of that car was,” Burton said. “It could absolutely be relevant to this investigation, and it’s one of those stones that still hasn’t been turned over.” This case has concerned me from day one and will continue to concern me until we get to the bottom of who is responsible.”

The outpouring of love and sadness spread Wednesday to Donovan’s colleagues and friends at Mille Lacs Health System.

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

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

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

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

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