Man killed in 403 crash was 'passionate' about improving Hamilton

Police said Sunday the man killed in the wrong-way crash on Highway 403 on Saturday morning was 29-year-old Ryan Powless, a Hamilton bylaw officer.

"This is an incredibly tragic and sad incident," said city spokesman MikeKirkopoulos."Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Ryan's family, friends, colleagues and loved ones."

A Ford F-150 pickup truck was seen goingthe wrong way on the eastbound 403 near Waterdown Road around 3:30 a.m.Saturday.The truck strucka silver Nissan head-on, killing Powless, who was drivingthe Nissan, the Ontario Provincial Police said.

A 20-year-old Etobicoke woman riding inthe Nissan was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

'Passionate about our city'

The news has come as a sad shock to the close-knit team of about 40 bylaw officers, said Kelly Barnett, coordinator of the city of Hamilton's Municipal Bylaw Enforcement efforts.

Powlesssaw his work as a way to help Hamilton improve, according to Barnett.

"He wanted to help people.Wherever he needed to step up, he did. He was really passionate about our city. He took a look a lot of pride in trying to improve conditions in whatever neighbourhood he worked in," said Barnett.

"He was a truly terrific officer."

Charges for wrong-way driver

Police got a call about the wrong-way driver, and then within one minute receivedanother call about the collision, OPPspokesman Sgt.KerrySchmidt said.

The driverof the Ford truck, who was its sole occupant,received minor injuries.The 35-year-old man fromBrampton, Ont.,was arrested at scene.

He faces seven charges including impaired driving causing death, impaired driving causing bodily harm, driving while over the legal alcohol limit, dangerous driving and possession of under 30 grams of marijuana.

The OPP is asking any witnesses who may have seen the Fordprior to the collision to call the investigating officerTimSchulzat the Burlington OPP detachment at 905-681-2511.