Ivan Opat arrested for death of Luigi Stinellis in Hamilton

The Hamilton Police Service Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating the 23rd traffic fatality in the City of Hamilton and is asking for witnesses to contact them.

On Monday, November 29th, 2010 at approximately 5:30 p.m., a Chevrolet Venture van traveling southbound on Nebo Rd., south of Rymal Rd., entered into a construction zone where members of a local construction crew were working in the area. The driver drove past pylons that were on the roadway and struck a man who was standing on the roadway working as a flagman. The man was thrown into a backhoe where he died.

The Hamilton Police Service Collision Reconstruction Unit attended the scene to investigate. The Ministry of Labour was contacted and attended.The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. His injuries are non-life threatening. He was arrested at the hospital where a breath test was conducted. The driver registered readings over the legal limit. The driver was released on a Promise to Appear for a court date on December 23rd, 2010.

The deceased is a 59 yr. old resident of Hamilton. At this time his identity is not being released subject to further conversation with the family.

Arrested: 69 yr. old Simcoe man
Charges: Impaired Driving Causing Death

This investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending. Hamilton Police continue to investigate and witnesses are asked to contact Det/Cst. Bob Blankstein, Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-546-4755.

UPDATE………………….November 30th, 2010
The deceased is identified as Luigi STINELLIS. His family is asking for privacy during their time of grief.

UPDATE………December 23rd, 2010
The Accused is identified as Ivan OPAT, 69 yrs of Simcoe. He will appear in Courtroom 100 at 45 Main St East, John Sopinka Courthouse, in Hamilton today.