Niagara Regional Police say speed was a factor in an accident that claimed the life of a Hamilton man in West Lincoln Sunday.

Andrew Herkel, 21, was killed after losing control of his vehicle in downtown Smithville at about 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 18.

Police say the man was operating his 1994 Doge Colt westbound from St. Catherine Street on to Griffin Street. As the victim entered the intersection, police say the vehicle spun around, struck the west curb of Griffin Street and then left the roadway, striking a hydro pole, then a tree before rotating again and coming into collision with a south-facing wall of a local business on the north side of McMurchie Lane.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say road and weather conditions were clear at the time and believe "excessive speed" was a factor in the collision.

The Niagara Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed something is asked to contact investigators by calling 905-945-2211, ext. 5500.