TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- An anonymous donor has doubled the reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for a hit-and-run crash that killed 29-year-old Kelly Ann Hurlbert of Traverse City.

Michael Moran, a good friend of Hurlbert and her husband, Pauly, initially set up a $10,0000 reward through his LLC company, Quarter After Entertainment, on Monday, July 8.

On Tuesday, July 9, Moran said a Traverse City man – who is a good friend of the Hurlberts – donated an additional $10,000 to bring the reward to $20,000. Moran said the donor wished to remain anonymous.

“This is great news,” Moran said of the anonymous donation. “For us, it’s definitely a big victory.”

Kelly Hurlbert was reportedly riding her bicycle east in the 600 block of Washington Street shortly before 2 a.m. on Friday, July 5, when she was hit from behind by a pickup truck or SUV traveling in the same direction, according to the Traverse City Police Department.

Hurlbert became entangled with the vehicle that hit her and was dragged about one and half blocks. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died.

The driver who hit her left the scene before police arrived and remains at large.

Related:

• Fatal Traverse City hit-and-run crash elevates push to make road safety improvements

• Kelly Hurlbert, victim in Traverse City hit-and-run crash, was 'beautiful inside and out,' husband says

• Widower leads 1,500 bike riders honoring victim of Traverse City hit-and-run crash

• Traverse City hit-and-run: 'Ghost bike' reminds community of crash that killed Kelly Hurlbert



• $10,000 reward offered in case of Traverse City woman killed in hit-and-run bike crash

Traverse City Police were initially looking for a dark-colored SUV or truck that might have been involved in the crash. On Tuesday, police expanded their search to include a silver SUV.

“This does not exclude dark-colored SUVs or trucks, it merely includes the silver SUV as different witnesses recount seeing different vehicles in the area,” according to a news release from the Traverse City Police Department that was posted on Grand Traverse 911’s Facebook page. “If anyone is aware of anybody they know who may have been traveling on or near Washington Street early (July 5) or around 1:50 a.m. to call us as they may be witness to information, although insignificant to them at the time, it may be very important to our investigation.”

The photo of the press release has already been shared by hundreds of people within a couple hours of being posted on the Grand Traverse 911 Facebook page on Tuesday.

Several people commented on the post, suggesting to check cameras at car washes and auto repair shops in the area.

Courtney Elizabeth posted: “I hope it wasn’t someone from out of state…. Just here for Cherry Festival. They could be long gone. Karma will come their way.”

Jenifer Perley Woodworth posted: “Some must know something. The family deserves justice and closure.”

Moran, who also created a website in memory of Kelly Hurlbert, said they have raised about $2,500 in donations through the website that will go toward funeral expenses.

“We’re working on our thank you letters right now,” he said. “People are being very generous with donations. We’re so grateful and really thankful for the donations – we really are. It’s going to help immensely.”

Moran praised the Traverse City community for its outpouring support and love for the Hurlberts and their families.

“It’s a very close community … I’ve always known that we have good people here,” he said. “When you come up here, everyone opens their doors and waves to you. It’s a really nice place and (the community) wants to keep it that way and do what they can to make this right.

“We need to get someone out of their hole,” Moran added.

Those who knew Kelly Hurlbert – or may have not had the opportunity to meet her, but heard about the crash -- have left comments on the website dedicated to her. On the website, called remembertolove.org, people have expressed their condolences to her family, shared memories of the person known for her "adventurous spirit" and called for justice to the person responsible for her death.

Jason Rehahn posted on the website: “I only met Kelly a couple times but I could see the love Paul and Kelly shared through all of the wonderful pictures Paul posted. My thoughts and prayers are with Paul and the rest of Kelly’s family and friends.”

Dawn D. wrote: “My heart breaks for Kelly, her husband, her family and friends. It makes me ill to think someone could do this to a person. I didn’t know the family but have cried for them. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.”

Someone named Kaitlyn commented on the website, saying donations are also being accepted at North Peak Brewing Company, where Kelly and Paul Hurlbert both worked.

"Kelly was an awesome gal and she and Pauly have the best love and relationship I have ever seen, they are truly each others half, heart and soul," Kaitlyn wrote on the website. "My heart breaks with this news and many prayers have and are being said. I know that we will catch whoever did this and bring Kelly's death to justice and give Pauly and their families a bit of peace."

A service for Kelly Ann Hurlbert will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at F&M park between State and Washington streets in Traverse City. The community is encouraged to ride their bikes to the service. After the service, the community will ride their bikes through the main part of downtown Traverse City, according to Moran.

Anyone with information about the crash should call Traverse City Police at 231-995-5152 or Silent Observer at 231-947-8477.

Email Kyle Moroney at kmoroney@mlive.com or follow her at Twitter or Facebook