Barrie police say they believe the six people who were reported missing Saturday were involved in a fatal single-vehicle collision.
Around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, officers located the crash in the area of McKay Road and County Road 27.
Jennett Mays, a Barrie Police spokesperson, tells Barrie 360 that all six occupants are dead.
She says they are not releasing information about the victims at this time.
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 (@mayor_jeff) August 28, 2022
In a tweet on Sunday, Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman said "a shocking and horrible tragedy has happened."
"As a parent myself this is worst nightmare. The six families in our city who are devastated this morning need all of our compassion and support, Barrie."
Barrie 360 has chosen not to identify the victims of the crash until there is confirmation from police, but the Barrie Minor Lacrosse Association (BMLA) said on its Facebook page Sunday that one of the victims is Luke West, a 22-year-old player and coach with the organization.
The post said "Westy" was part of Barrie lacrosse for "almost his entire life."
According to the post, West played in five provincial championships and was a two-time OMFLL Provincial Champion. In 2022, BMLA said West would make his sixth appearance in an Ontario Provincial Lacrosse Championship, winning silver as the assistant coach of the Bombers U17-2 team.
The BMLA said West is survived by his parents, David and Sue, and brother Mark.
Barrie police reported six missing persons on Saturday, four males and two females, all in their early 20s.
The Barrie Police Traffic Unit is currently on scene investigating along with officers from the Investigative Services division.
Anyone who has information related to the incident is asked to contact Barrie Police.
Banner image - Barrie 360 (Ian MacLennan)