Latest news with #Walkerton
CBC
a day ago
- General
- CBC
Breslau baker selling pies to benefit Walkerton school after fatal crash
Fran Adsett says she felt like she needs to give back to the community where she grew up after hearing about the fatal crash that killed four students and a teacher from Walkerton District Community School last month. Adsett grew up in Mildmay, Ont., a neighbouring town to Walkerton, and her family is still there. She's now the owner and baker at Frannie's Restaurant and Bakery on Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph and the restaurant is known locally for its baked goods. "I have a strong background with going back home and supporting back home. So when I saw the story, my heart goes out to all of the family, the friends, the community, the team. So I just felt that I need to do something," Adsett said. "It's not just a town. It's not just a village — you're family." Four teenage girls from Walkerton District Community School were travelling home with their teacher on the afternoon of May 23 after a softball tournament east of London when they were involved in a crash with a transport truck. Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, Danica Baker, Olivia Rourke and Mat Eckert were killed. Their deaths were acknowledged across Canada, including by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who wrote that it was an "unimaginable loss that no family, no classmate, no school should ever have to endure." Funeral services were held over the weekend for them. Throughout the month of June, Adsett will be selling her pies for $50, with the restaurant keeping about $14 for ingredients and the rest of the money going to the school. Adsett says she hopes the money could be used for the school's Riverhawks sports teams. "I know that there's lots of money that's going to the families, but my concern is for Riverhawks, for the actual team, so that they can have their mourning as well," she said. "They can do whatever they feel free to do in honour of all of the people that have passed away ... whether they want to do a scholarship, whether they want memorial benches, whatever the team as a family want to do, this money will go towards them." People can order a pie by contacting the restaurant.
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
CTV National News: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Watch CTV National News: Saturday, May 31, 2025 - Walkerton teens mourned, Trump's new tariffs, and Newfoundland icebergs.
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
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Walkerton, Ont., shattered after teen athletes, teacher killed in crash on way home from softball tournament
One week after a crash took the lives of four teenage girls and a teacher from Walkerton District Community School as they travelled home from a softball tournament, family and friends in shattered disbelief are preparing to memorialize them in services this weekend. Danica Baker and Olivia Rourke will be remembered together Saturday on the arena floor of the Walkerton Community Centre. Later that day, a celebration of life for Kaydance Ford will take place at a baseball diamond in nearby Chesley, Ont. On Sunday, a service will be held for Rowan McLeod at the Chesley Arena. There will also be a ceremony in Owen Sound for 33-year-old teacher Matthew Eckert – also well known for his local lacrosse career – after two days of visitations at a funeral home. It's an overwhelming wave of memorials after days of mourning. A candlelight vigil outside the K-12 school drew hundreds earlier this week. Bouquets of flowers remain piled at the front doors of the school, and school busses have small blue ribbons on their front grills. Grief counsellors are on hand across the region. The school's Riverhawks logo – now wrapped in a heart – is displayed at some businesses. Flags are at half-mast. Residents have placed sneakers or baseball cleats on their doorsteps. The Walkerton Pentecostal Church displayed a message of support. The five victims were returning from a softball tournament in Dorchester, Ont., last Friday afternoon when the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a transport truck and another SUV outside London, some two hours south of Walkerton. Those in the other vehicles suffered minor injuries. The OPP is still investigating. The loss of these four female athletes – ages 16 and 17 – and the popular teacher is felt widely across the region, largely because they participated in many different activities, inside and outside school. Athletes and families from three area minor sports clubs that also had some of the girls as members all came together at a community centre this week – Kilsyth Young Guns Broomball, Tara Minor Softball, and Township of Chatsworth & District Minor Hockey Association. 'It was very cathartic,' said Ejaye McComb, a coach from the Tara Twins U18 softball team, which included Ms. McLeod and Ford. Both girls could play in the infield, the outfield and were solid hitters. Ford and Ms. McLeod were leaders, fun to be around, always joking and lightening the team's mood. 'As a coach or a teammate you couldn't ask for more. They both had a long future ahead of them as players and likely future coaches,' Mr. McComb said. 'I'm positive that they would have succeeded at anything that they tried in life.' On top of sports, and being a loving big sister, Ford, 16, also excelled in shop at school. Ms. McLeod, 17, also played hockey, broomball, and was a summer camp leader. She spearheaded the softball team's plans to order jackets, researching all the costs and making the arrangements. 'This doesn't feel real. I feel like they are on vacation right now, but I think this weekend will make it feel real to me, that they're not coming back,' said 16-year-old Addison Teeter, a Twins softball teammate of Ms. McLeod and Ford, who also forged a close friendship with Ms. McLeod as hockey teammates. She'd met all four girls over the years. 'You always hear about this stuff in the news, but you never think it's gonna happen to you. These girls touched so many people, whether you knew them from sports or parties. You realize your life is precious and you only get to live once, so you have to live it to the fullest.' Ms. Rourke, 17, was living out many passions. After growing up a gymnast at Hanover Aerials Gymnastics Club she transitioned into coaching kids there. 'There was just so much potential in her. She was so responsible,' said Brenda Jolly, the club's executive director. 'It means something to a little kid when the coach smiles at them or tells them they're doing a good job. She was very good at that.' Ms. Rourke was organizing a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, inspired by her mom, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Her community is making sure the June tournament to raise funds for breast cancer research will proceed as the teenager had envisioned. Danica Baker's volleyball club team has been celebrating her this week. Bluewater U17G Ballistix Boom has been posting photos and memories of the player they called Dani in her No. 11 jersey. 'Described by those who know her as, 'a true ray of light,' Danica's spirit lit up every room and every volleyball court she stepped on to. Words cannot express how saddened we are for the loss of this wonderful soul,' read their Instagram post. Meanwhile in Owen Sound, the Jr. B Northstars lacrosse team has dedicated the rest of its season to its assistant coach, saying Mr. Eckert 'cared about our group more than words can describe.' The team has asked supporters to pack its Saturday game and wear Northstars jerseys in support of Mr. Eckert. He made a name for himself playing hockey and lacrosse in Owen Sound. In 2012, he won a Minto Cup, the Canadian Lacrosse Association's Junior A championship. He became a popular teacher, known for using his extra time to help kids. 'As a dedicated teacher and coach, Mat poured his energy, time, and enormous heart into shaping young lives,' reads his obituary. 'His math lessons were more than just numbers – they were moments of connection. In every sport he took on, he brought the same passion and purpose, using coaching as another way to teach life skills, build confidence, and foster teamwork.'
CTV News
7 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Councillors request safety study for site where five died
Thames Centre councillors have requested a safety study for the site of a collision that claimed five lives. The decision was made unanimously, which will see the Thorndale and Cobble Hills intersection studied. It will take place after the OPP finish their investigation into the crash that took the lives of four students and a teacher from Walkerton.
