Charges upgraded as Hamilton boy struck by vehicle on Tuesday has died

Hamilton Police say the man who struck a boy on the mountain Tuesday is facing upgraded charges.

On Thursday morning Jude Strickland’s father, Jamie Strickland, posted news of his son’s death on Facebook.

“Our dear, sweet Jude passed away, just after midnight this morning,” he wrote. “This is the most heart breaking thing we have ever experienced.”

“Words fail us as we express our empathy for what Jude Strickland’s family and loved ones are going through,” the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board said in a statement.

A message from the Chair of the Board and Director of Education about the death of Jude Strickland. The flag will be lowered at Templemead Elementary School to show our respect for the Strickland family. pic.twitter.com/14mVNRtGFd

— HWDSB (@HWDSB) December 3, 2020

Templemead Elementary School, where Jude was a student, will lower its flag as a sign of respect.

The 11-year-old was struck by a pickup truck as he crossed the street at Upper Gage and and Royalvista Dr., about 200 metres from the school, just after 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

He was taken to hospital without vital signs and remained in critical condition.

Hamilton Police say his death is Hamilton’s 14th traffic fatality this year.

Brandon Aubert, 28, from Hamilton, was behind the wheel of the pickup truck.

Police allege he failed to stop for both the light and crossing guard.

He was originally charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm. He now faces a charge of dangerous driving causing death.

Police say they have ruled out driver impairment and all other contributing factors are being investigated.

Aubert is expected to appear in court next Thursday.

A GoFundMe setup for the family has already raised over $50,000.