Heartbreaking Incident

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a fatal car crash last week, believed to be linked to a rivalry between two high schools in Hamilton, has left a community in mourning. Police are investigating 'escalating incidents' connected to the crash that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy.

Details of the Crash

Witness reports indicate that just after 2:30 p.m. on a Friday, two to three vehicles were engaged in a dangerous race on the Lincoln Alexander Parkway near Upper Gage Avenue. During the race, two of the vehicles collided, resulting in one vehicle, a Toyota SUV, losing control and rolling over multiple times. Tragically, it was in this vehicle that one young occupant was ejected and later pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after being transported there.

Investigation Findings

As police dig deeper into the matter, they have uncovered that moments before the collision, the drivers of a black Ford Focus and a silver Infiniti were reportedly chasing a Toyota RAV4 in the parking lot of St. Jean de Brebeuf Secondary School. This chase is now seen as part of a series of troubling incidents between students from St. Jean de Brebeuf and nearby Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School.

Community Response and Safety Measures

Authorities have yet to disclose what instigated this dangerous chase or the underlying tensions between the two student groups. The deceased has not been publicly identified, but 18-year-old Vincenzino Stumpo from Hamilton has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm and death. It remains unclear whether he or the victim were students at either high school.

In response to the alarming situation, Hamilton police have pledged to collaborate with the school communities to ensure the safety of all staff and students. Officers are set to increase their presence around St. Jean de Brebeuf and Nora Frances Henderson Secondary schools on October 15, 2024, to provide reassurance and address community concerns.

Call to Action

A call to action has been made by law enforcement for the driver of the silver Infiniti, who remains at large, to come forward and cooperate with the investigation. As inquiries continue, authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the tragic collision to contact them or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Critical Questions Raised

This incident raises critical questions about student safety and the need to address escalating rivalries among high school students, prompting a conversation about community engagement and prevention in the face of violence.