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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Joint funeral held for two teens killed in crash that left five dead
Two teens killed in a crash near London, Ont. just over a week ago were remembered Saturday for their contagious smiles that "could light up absolutely everything." Hundreds attended the joint funeral service for Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, at the Walkerton Community Centre, along with nearly 1,000 who tuned in to a livestream. Advertisement The pair were killed along with two other girls, Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford, and their 33-year-old coach Matt Eckert, who was a teacher at Walkerton District Community School. All five died when their sport utility vehicle collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23 while they were returning from a softball tournament in the area. A few family members and friends of both Rourke and Baker shared memories of the two girls during Saturday's service as dozens more classmates paid tribute wearing their athletic uniforms. The girls were described as joyful teammates who would sing "at the top of their lungs" and dance "without a care." As one friend put it, even after a moment of silence for the duo: "Silence wasn't really their thing." Advertisement Rourke was "the spunkiest, sassiest and coolest little girl," said her cousin Rae in a eulogy, adding she was "truly a bright light in our family." Others praised her resolve. Friends said Rourke shone in gymnastics and loved other sports too, even those she wasn't the best at. She tried out for every team and had convinced herself that her sheer determination was going to win her athlete of the year. Rourke also had a presence for the stage and loved to act out a scene. Her "witty jokes, positive energy and sassy remarks could bring a smile to anyone's face," said Rae. Advertisement "What hurts the most is that we had so many plans that are now left unfinished," her cousin said. "We were going to tour universities in the fall, travel the world, and raise two little girls together that would be just like us. As we looked forward to these big moments in life, I never thought that Olivia wouldn't be experiencing them with me." Baker's cousin Aislyn said she left a mark on everyone she met through her "infectious smile, her goofy laugh and her positive and thoughtful presence." Remembered as a gifted piano player and quiet leader, she was a perfectionist and "vibrant young soul" who enjoyed expressing herself through her hair, makeup, nails and fashion. Advertisement Baker was adventurous and independent — she enjoyed going to camp from a young age and wasn't afraid to go alone. She loved all sports, but found her passion on the volleyball court. "Not only did Danica have a gorgeous face, but a gorgeous soul too," Aislyn said. "Danica was just starting to blossom into this amazing independent and most caring person." The Walkerton community, home to around 4,500 residents, continues to mourn the tragedy. Last weekend more than a thousand people gathered outside the girls' school to show support during a vigil. Dozens of support workers had a presence at the school this week as students and staff grieve. Bluewater District School Board director of education Lori Wilder said a memorial table had also been set up inside the school for the five victims. Advertisement Chris Peabody, the mayor of Brockton, the municipality encompassing Walkerton, said the "incomprehensible tragedy" has left the town devastated. Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences on social media a few days after the incident, saying the five deaths are heartbreaking. "This is an unimaginable loss — one that no family, no classmate, no school should ever have to endure. Canadians are holding the Walkerton community in our hearts," Carney wrote on X. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2025. Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Joint funeral held for two teens killed in Walkerton car crash
Two out of the five deceased, teens Olivia Rourke and Danica Baker, were given joint funerals. Funerals for the other victims are still ongoing.
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
Joint funeral held for 2 teens killed in crash near London, Ont., that left 5 dead
Social Sharing Two teens killed in a crash near London, Ont., just over a week ago were remembered on Saturday for their contagious smiles that "could light up absolutely everything." Hundreds attended the joint funeral service for Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, at the Walkerton Community Centre, along with nearly 1,000 who tuned in to a livestream. The pair were killed along with two other girls, Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford, and their 33-year-old coach, Matt Eckert, who was a teacher at Walkerton District Community School. All five died when their SUV collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23 while they were returning from a softball tournament in the area. A few family members and friends of both Rourke and Baker shared memories of the two teens during Saturday's service as dozens more classmates paid tribute wearing their athletic uniforms. The girls were described as joyful teammates who would sing "at the top of their lungs" and dance "without a care." As one friend put it, even after a moment of silence for the duo: "Silence wasn't really their thing." WATCH | Flowers were left to remember those who died: Laying flowers at the crash site where 4 teens and a teacher were killed 5 days ago Duration 0:57 Rourke was "the spunkiest, sassiest and coolest little girl," her cousin Rae said in a eulogy, adding she was "truly a bright light in our family." Others praised her resolve. Friends said Rourke shone in gymnastics and loved other sports, too, even those she wasn't the best at. She tried out for every team and had convinced herself that her sheer determination was going to win her athlete of the year. Rourke also had a presence on the stage and loved to act out a scene. Her "witty jokes, positive energy and sassy remarks could bring a smile to anyone's face," Rae said. "What hurts the most is that we had so many plans that are now left unfinished," her cousin said. "We were going to tour universities in the fall, travel the world and raise two little girls together that would be just like us. As we looked forward to these big moments in life, I never thought that Olivia wouldn't be experiencing them with me." Baker's cousin Aislyn said she left a mark on everyone she met through her "infectious smile, her goofy laugh and her positive and thoughtful presence." Remembered as a gifted piano player and quiet leader, she was a perfectionist and "vibrant young soul" who enjoyed expressing herself through her hair, makeup, nails and fashion. Baker was adventurous and independent — she enjoyed going to camp from a young age and wasn't afraid to go alone. She loved all sports but found her passion on the volleyball court. "Not only did Danica have a gorgeous face, but a gorgeous soul, too," Aislyn said. "Danica was just starting to blossom into this amazing independent and most caring person." The Walkerton community, home to about 4,500 residents, continues to mourn the tragedy. Last weekend, more than 1,000 people gathered outside the girls' school to show support during a vigil. WATCH | Hundreds mourn victims of fatal crash: Hundreds mourn outside school in Walkerton, Ont., for students, coach killed in crash 5 days ago Duration 4:30 Dozens of support workers had a presence at the school this week as students and staff grieve. Bluewater District School Board education director Lori Wilder said a memorial table had also been set up inside the school for the five victims. Chris Peabody, the mayor of Brockton, the municipality encompassing Walkerton, said the "incomprehensible tragedy" has left the town devastated. Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences on social media a few days after the incident, saying the five deaths are heartbreaking. "This is an unimaginable loss — one that no family, no classmate, no school should ever have to endure. Canadians are holding the Walkerton community in our hearts," Carney wrote on X.
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- General
- Toronto Sun
Joint funeral held for 2 teens killed in crash that left 5 dead
Published May 31, 2025 • 3 minute read Hundreds gather in the parking lot of the Walkerton District Community School in Walkerton, Ont. for a vigil on Sunday, May 25, 2025. On May 23,, four students and a teacher from the school were killed in a car accident on the way back from a softball tournament in Dorchester, Ontario. Photo by Geoff Robins / THE CANADIAN PRESS Two teens killed in a crash near London, Ont. just over a week ago were remembered Saturday for their contagious smiles that 'could light up absolutely everything.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Hundreds attended the joint funeral service for Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, at the Walkerton Community Centre, along with nearly 1,000 who tuned in to a livestream. The pair were killed along with two other girls, Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford, and their 33-year-old coach Matt Eckert, who was a teacher at Walkerton District Community School. All five died when their sport utility vehicle collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23 while they were returning from a softball tournament in the area. A few family members and friends of both Rourke and Baker shared memories of the two girls during Saturday's service as dozens more classmates paid tribute wearing their athletic uniforms. The girls were described as joyful teammates who would sing 'at the top of their lungs' and dance 'without a care.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As one friend put it, even after a moment of silence for the duo: 'Silence wasn't really their thing.' Clockwise from top left: Olivia Rourke; Danica Baker; Rowan McLeod; Kaydance Ford; and Matt Eckert. All were killed in a crash northeast of London on May 23, 2025. Rourke was 'the spunkiest, sassiest and coolest little girl,' said her cousin Rae in a eulogy, adding she was 'truly a bright light in our family.' Others praised her resolve. Friends said Rourke shone in gymnastics and loved other sports too, even those she wasn't the best at. She tried out for every team and had convinced herself that her sheer determination was going to win her athlete of the year. Rourke also had a presence for the stage and loved to act out a scene. Her 'witty jokes, positive energy and sassy remarks could bring a smile to anyone's face,' said Rae. PLANS 'LEFT UNFINISHED' 'What hurts the most is that we had so many plans that are now left unfinished,' her cousin said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We were going to tour universities in the fall, travel the world, and raise two little girls together that would be just like us. As we looked forward to these big moments in life, I never thought that Olivia wouldn't be experiencing them with me.' Baker's cousin Aislyn said she left a mark on everyone she met through her 'infectious smile, her goofy laugh and her positive and thoughtful presence.' Remembered as a gifted piano player and quiet leader, she was a perfectionist and 'vibrant young soul' who enjoyed expressing herself through her hair, makeup, nails and fashion. Baker was adventurous and independent — she enjoyed going to camp from a young age and wasn't afraid to go alone. She loved all sports, but found her passion on the volleyball court. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Not only did Danica have a gorgeous face, but a gorgeous soul too,' Aislyn said. 'Danica was just starting to blossom into this amazing independent and most caring person.' The Walkerton community, home to around 4,500 residents, continues to mourn the tragedy. Last weekend more than a thousand people gathered outside the girls' school to show support during a vigil. Dozens of support workers had a presence at the school this week as students and staff grieve. Bluewater District School Board director of education Lori Wilder said a memorial table had also been set up inside the school for the five victims. Chris Peabody, the mayor of Brockton, the municipality encompassing Walkerton, said the 'incomprehensible tragedy' has left the town devastated. Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences on social media a few days after the incident, saying the five deaths are heartbreaking. 'This is an unimaginable loss — one that no family, no classmate, no school should ever have to endure. Canadians are holding the Walkerton community in our hearts,' Carney wrote on X. Crime Toronto & GTA Columnists Ontario Columnists
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Joint funeral held for two teens killed in crash that left five dead in Walkerton Ont.
Hundreds gather in the parking lot of the Walkerton District Community School in Walkerton, Ont. for a vigil on Sunday, May 25, 2025. On May 23,, four students and a teacher from the school were killed in a car accident on the way back from a softball tournament in Dorchester, Ontario. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Geoff Robins Two teens killed in a crash near London, Ont. just over a week ago were remembered Saturday for their contagious smiles that 'could light up absolutely everything.' Hundreds attended the joint funeral service for Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, at the Walkerton Community Centre, along with nearly 1,000 who tuned in to a livestream. The pair were killed along with two other girls, Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford, and their 33-year-old coach Matt Eckert, who was a teacher at Walkerton District Community School, when their sport utility vehicle collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23. The five had been returning from a softball tournament in the area. On Friday evening, the principal of Walkerton District Community School issued a statement about the tragedy, recognizing the teachers, staff, and support services that have served the community throughout the past week. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support that we have received over the past week from our local communities in Bruce and Grey counties, across Ontario, and beyond. The kindness and solidarity shown by individuals, families, organizations, and communities have been a tremendous source of comfort and stability during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to our school community for your care, kindness, and generosity. We truly feel supported. — Roselyn Clancy, Principal, Walkerton District Community School At the funeral service on Saturday, Rourke was described by her cousin Rae in a eulogy as 'the spunkiest, sassiest and coolest little girl,' adding that her 'witty jokes, positive energy and sassy remarks could bring a smile to anyone's face.' Baker's cousin Aislyn said she left a mark on everyone she met through her infectious smile, her goofy laugh and her positive and thoughtful presence. - with files from CTV News London's Bailey Shakyaver
