Motorcyclist killed in Hagersville hit-and-run

A 23-year-old man has died in a hit-and-run crash in Hagersville after the motorcycle he was driving was struck from behind, throwing him into the path of oncoming traffic.

Police used dogs, a drone and a helicopter to try to find two people who fled into a nearby bush after ditching a blue Chevrolet Tahoe sport unity vehicle with a black hood after the fatal collision around 9:05 p.m. Friday.

The motorcyclist had been driving westbound on King Street West near Sarah Street when he was allegedly struck from behind by the driver of the SUV.

The collision caused him to be thrown from the motorcycle into the path of an eastbound pickup truck. He was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.

The SUV continued west on King Street and then northbound onto Ojibway Road before driving into a ditch where a witness described two people fleeing on foot into the bush area.

The Ontario Provincial Police Haldimand County Detachment have recovered the SUV and members of the Forensic Identification Services are conducting an analysis.

Members of the OPP Canine Unit, Emergency Response Team, Remote Piloted Aircraft System, which is a drone, and the OPP helicopter searched the area.

OPP Technical Collision Investigators were also on scene assisting with the investigation.

King Street West was closed between Concession 13 Walpole and John Street for about six hours.

OPP is asking any witnesses, those with video surveillance of the area or anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122.

Anonymous tips can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Joanna Frketich is a Hamilton-based reporter covering health for The Spectator. Reach her via email: jfrketich@thespec.com