A wave of tragedy has gripped Hamilton, as police investigate the death of a pedestrian – the third such fatality in a single week. The latest incident occurred Thursday morning on the West Mountain, casting a somber shadow over the community.
The victim, an 83-year-old man, was walking his dog in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Upper Ottawa Street and Anson Avenue when he was struck by a red sedan. Despite the immediate response of police, firefighters, and paramedics, he succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Remarkably, the man’s canine companion escaped unharmed, a small comfort amidst the devastating loss. The driver of the sedan remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators as the traffic reconstruction unit meticulously examines the circumstances surrounding the collision.
This heartbreaking event arrives exactly one week after the city mourned the loss of a 52-year-old crossing guard, struck and killed by a dump truck near Lime Ridge Mall. Mayor Andrea Horwath described that incident as “tragic,” highlighting the profound impact on the community.
The Mohawk-Upper Wentworth Street intersection, where the crossing guard lost her life, is a busy thoroughfare surrounded by retail outlets and schools. While charges are anticipated in that case, authorities initially stated that speed was not a contributing factor.
Just days before the crossing guard’s death, another pedestrian, a 42-year-old woman, was fatally struck by a pickup truck in Ancaster. This occurred on Wilson Street West near McClure Road, an area also known for its commercial activity.
Police are now appealing to the public for assistance, requesting anyone with dashcam footage or information related to Thursday’s collision to come forward. Investigators are working diligently to piece together the events and understand the factors contributing to this series of tragedies.
Those with information can contact the Traffic Reconstruction Unit directly or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. The city is left reeling, grappling with the sudden and repeated loss of life on its streets.
