‘Horrible tragedy’: 6 people dead in single-vehicle crash near Barrie identified

Six people in their early 20s are dead following a single-vehicle crash south of Barrie.

Barrie police said they came across the scene of the crash at McKay Road and County Road 27 at around 2 a.m. Sunday.

The intersection where the crash occurred was at the site of a construction project and had been closed since the spring.

A local fireman who wishes to remain anonymous tells CityNews the vehicle crashed into a large trench that had been dug out along the stretch of McKay Road under construction.

“The occupants are believed to be the six missing persons from earlier this evening,” the force said in a series of tweets.

The four men and two women had been reported missing on Saturday night.

While police did not release further details surrounding the crash or the identity of the individuals, a Facebook post identified the six as Jersey Mitchell, Haley Marin, Luke West, Curtis King, River Wells, and Jason O’Connor.

In the wake of the tragedy, many people are taking to social media to honour the six people who died.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Karen Ross identifies Haley Marin as one of the victims. She describes Marin as “such a beautiful soul, person and friend. There was no shortage of light when Haley entered a room. An extremely smart, kind, and beautiful young girl.”

According to the Barrie Minor Lacrosse Association, Luke West was also killed in the crash. The league posted a tribute to the 22-year-old on Facebook. The lacrosse association says West spent almost his entire life playing the sport. During that time, he played in five provincial championships and became an OMFLL Provincial Champion.

“Westy, the impact that you had on your teammates, coaches, and the young men you coached is immeasurable,” the team said in an Instagram post.

“Few have ever worked harder in Bomber Blue, few can claim to have lifted us so high. We love you, we miss you, and we are grateful for the time that we had with you.”

L to R: Haley Marin (Karen Ross/Facebook), Luke West (Barrie Minor Lacrosse Association), Curtis King (Facebook) and River Wells (Simcoe County Football/Instagram).

The Simcoe County Football League (SCF) is also mourning lost members. The league confirmed Curtis King and River Wells were both among the passengers who died.

Through an Instagram post on Monday, league officials said both men were former SCF Athletes. King played for the Innisdale Invaders, while Wells was a member of the Barrie North Vikings.

“SCF sends our deepest condolences to their families and friends who lived life with them. We not only remember these great athletes for what they did on the field but remember the great people they were in life. May they Rest In Peace.”

Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman called it a “shocking and horrible tragedy.”

“As a parent myself, this is the worst nightmare. The six families in our city who are devastated this morning need all of our compassion and support,” he said in a tweet.

With files from Tina Yazdani

A shocking and horrible tragedy has happened, taking the lives of six young people with their whole future ahead of them. As a parent myself this is the worst nightmare. The six families in our city who are devastated this morning need all of our compassion and support, Barrie. https://t.co/owQJEcJbYq

— Jeff Lehman (@jedi_lehman) August 28, 2022

On behalf of all Ontarians, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of these six young individuals. We are holding you all in our hearts during this time of unspeakable pain. https://t.co/8gc3YbuOKU

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) August 28, 2022

On behalf of our @Barrie_Fire team we are sending our thoughts and condolences to all the families and friends impacted by today’s tragic incident on McKay Road.

Such a sad day for our community.

— Cory Mainprize (@MainprizeCory) August 28, 2022