Hamilton police say speed and alcohol were both factors in a fatal snowmobile crash in Flamborough, which is north-west of Hamilton.

The incident happened just before 8 p.m. Saturday near Westover and Safari roads.

Police say it appears the rider swerved sharply to avoid a treeline and was thrown from the snowmobile.

Several of his friends became worried when he didn’t return home, and later found him unresponsive, at which point they called 911.

Emergency officials responded to the scene but were unable to resuscitate the man.

The victim, whose identity is not being released at the request of family, was pronounced dead at the scene.