Fatal Hamilton collision believed to be connected to incidents between students, say police

A collision on the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway on Friday that left a 15-year-old boy dead is believed to be connected to a series of "escalating incidents" between students of two Hamilton schools, police say.

According to police, witnesses reported that two or three vehicles were racing eastbound on the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway, known as the Linc, in the area of the Upper Gage Avenue overpass, when two of the vehicles collided and lost control.

Police say one vehicle was able to regain control but a Toyota SUV left the road and rolled several times. During the roll, one or more occupants were ejected from the vehicle.

Police say three people who were in the Toyota were transported to hospital with serious injuries. A 15-year-oldfrom Hamiltonwas pronounced dead soon after arriving at the hospital.

In a news release on Monday, police say investigators have since learned that a black Ford Focus and silver Infinity were chasing a Toyota Rav 4 in the parking lot at St. Jean de Brebeuf Secondary School moments before the fatal collision.

"The collision is believed to be connected to a series of escalating incidents between St. Jean de Brebeuf and Nora Frances HendersonSecondary School students," police said in the release.

Police say they are "working with both school communities to ensure the safety of staff and students."

Officers will be in the area of St. Jean de Brebeuf and Nora Frances Henderson Secondary schools on Tuesdayto maintain a secure environment and address any concerns, police say.

Investigators continue to search for a silver Infiniti believed to be involved in the fatal collision, and are encouraging the driver to turn themselves in and speak to detectives.