Statements of support and sympathy are being shared with the Walkerton school community following the deaths of four students and a teacher in a collision near London Friday as they returned from a sporting event.
The OPP have not officially released the names of the four teenage girls, but they have been identified by other sources as Danica Baker, Rowan McLeod, Olivia Rourke and Kaydance Ford, all aged 16 to 17 and 33 year old teacher Matt Eckert.
Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement Sunday saying, “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.”
Member of Parliament for the riding, Huron-Bruce, Ben Lobb stated Sunday, “My prayers are with the families of the teacher and 4 students from Walkerton District Community School who tragically lost their lives this weekend. Extending my condolences to the entire Walkerton community at this time of great loss.”
Huron-Bruce Member of Provincial Parliament Lisa Thompson says, “Upon hearing the devastating news of the tragic car accident that has taken the lives of five members of the WDCS school community, my husband and I would like to share our sincerest condolences. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and all those affected.”
Neighbouring Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff said Sunday, “My condolences to the families, friends and all the communities impacted by this tragedy.” That riding’s Member of Provincial Parliament Paul Vickers says, “I send my deepest condolences to the five families who lost a loved one in Friday’s motor vehicle collision involving students returning to Walkerton District Community School following a school sporting event.”
On Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said, “I’m devastated to hear of last night’s tragic accident in Middlesex County, which has now claimed the lives of five people. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss.”
The Bluewater District School Board, to which the Walkerton school belongs issued a statement Saturday informing the community about the crash.
The Bruce-Grey-Catholic District School Board is lowering the flags at its schools.
Another neighbouring community, Hanover issued a statement saying, “Our community stands with you in this time of profound sorrow. We offer our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, teammates, colleagues, and all those affected by this unimaginable loss. Our thoughts are with you as you navigate the days ahead, and we extend our strength, support, and solidarity. In a show of unity and compassion, Members of Council and staff attended the vigil on Sunday and are making a contribution to WDCS. We encourage everyone to seek support from local and broader resources during this difficult time.”
Georgian Bluffs Mayor Sue Carleton issued a statement saying, “As a community, we mourn alongside you. We recognize that our communities are connected across Grey and Bruce counties, and in times like this, we stand together in support, compassion, and solidarity.”
Other nearby communities and organizations are offering condolences including South Bruce Peninsula, Saugeen Shores, Grey Bruce Public Health, Minister of Education Paul Calandra, and a number of local sports teams have issued statements about the students who were part of a number of local teams.
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Flags are lowered to half mast in a number of communities around the region, and some have placed shoes and candles on their doorsteps in their memory.
A candlelight vigil was attended by several hundred people in Walkerton Sunday night. They laid flowers at the entrance to the school. The candles, several rows deep, stretched the length of the school entrance way.
It was a quiet, often tearful gathering of Walkerton residents and those from surrounding communities. Members of Saugeen Ojibway Nation came with sage. They sang and spoke words of comfort and support to the large group who collectively, was at a loss for words. A moment of silence was held.
A local pastor stepped up from the crowd to lead a prayer. Members from the school community were on hand to give support to anyone who needed it.
A Go Fund Me has been set up to aid the families. It’s called “The Walkerton District Community School Tragedy – Families” as of 6 p.m. Monday evening just under $40,000 had been donated.
The death of a teacher and four students from Friday’s car crash in Walkerton is 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.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 26, 2025
