Utility hole at site of Barrie crash that killed 6 becomes focus of investigation
Police are focusing in on a large utility hole at the scene of a single-vehicle crash in Barrie, Ont. that claimed the lives of six young adults over the weekend.
On Wednesday, several investigators could be seen taking pictures near the construction site at McKay Road and Veteran’s Drive.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Some officers were observed rappelling into the hole and returned to the surface with what appears to be a black evidence bag.
Police have stayed tight-lipped on details related to the crash, only saying that their investigation will “take time” to complete.
CTV News Toronto has identified all six victims involved in the collision as Jersey Mitchell, 20, Haley Marin, 21, Curtis King, 22, Luke West, 22, Jason Ono-O'Connor, 23, and River Wells, 23.
The group was reported missing on Saturday before police were led to the crash scene at 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Investigators attend the scene of a crash that killed six people in Barrie, Ont. last weekend.
Family and friends of the victims have been observed visiting the perimeter of the scene in recent days, laying flowers and writing messages in their memory at a growing makeshift memorial.
On Wednesday, the mother of River Wells visited the crash site to find out what happened to her son.
"It just doesn't make sense. Why they're down here in the first place," an emotional Natalie Hawes told CTV News Barrie. "I need answers. I just want to hold on one more time and I can't even do that."
Hawes remembered River as an amazing man, friend, and brother who loved being around people and never let anybody down.
She added that River loved football and going to the Boots and Hearts Music Festival. Hawes said her son got his first car three days before the crash.
"We miss him deeply. He will always be missed," she said. "I don't know what to do or say anymore. (I'm) still in shock and hasn't really hit yet."
Hawes expressed her gratitude for those who continue to show support to her family and the other families.
The Barrie community has been left reeling in the wake of the tragedy. A vigil is planned for Saturday night to honour all six victims.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page aimed at supporting the families of the victims has been set up and already surpassed its goal of $60,000.
“Our community has been shaken to the core, our flags are at half mast and six families are devastated at the loss of their loved ones. Let's come together as a community and show our support,” the group organizing the fundraiser said on the page.
A memorial is shown near the scene of a fatal crash in Barrie, Ont., Monday, Aug.29, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jordan Omstead
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.