Mechanical failure ruled out in crash that killed high school friends

Hamilton police have ruled out mechanical failure as the cause of a tragic crash that killed two high school friends on the Red Hill Valley Parkway earlier this month.

Since the May 5 collision that killed Olivia Smosarski and Jordyn Hastings, investigators from the police Collision Reconstruction Unit have been conducting mechanical inspections on the cars involved.

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Now that mechanical failure has been ruled out, investigators will have to look elsewhere to figure out what led to the crash that killed the two recent high school graduates.

"The investigation is still ongoing and further updates will be provided as information becomes available," a police news release reads.

Smosarski was a 2013 graduate of Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School and Hastings was a 2013 graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary.

The teens' Mazda crossed onto the oncoming southbound lanes of the RHVP, colliding with a van at 11:30 p.m. The driver of the other vehicle walked away with minor injuries.

Hastings' obituary described her as "an avid and competitive swimmer, lifeguard and was committed to fitness and health. She was a lover and caregiver of all animals, big and small especially her precious Lily."

"So young but filled with so much love, talent, energy, happiness, compassion and kindness. Beautiful on the inside and out; her gentle heart, kind spirit, zest for life and crazy sense of humour was unmatched."

Smosarski's obiturary reads, "Liv was passionate, tenacious, affectionate, spirited and fiercely loyal, with a smile that could light up a room. She was full of life and enthusiasm, always stood up for what she believed was right, and held an amazing capacity for caring, love and forgiveness. Our cherished "Livi Beans" will be forever missed."