The OPP say they’ve concluded their investigation into a fatal crash that took the lives of four Walkerton District Community School students and a teacher, and no charges will be laid.
The collision happened nearly seven months ago — on May 23 — east of London at the intersection of Cobble Hills Road and Thorndale Road. Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, Danica Baker, Olivia Rourke and Matt Eckert were travelling home after a softball tournament, when the vehicle they were in collided with a transport truck.
The deaths of the young students and teacher shook their communities with grief.
OPP West Region Sgt. Ed Sanchuk provided the update on the police investigation in a social media post Tuesday evening.
“Following a comprehensive review of all evidence and circumstances, it’s been determined that no charges will be laid in relation to this incident. No further information will be released,” Sanchuk says. “The OPP wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic event.”
UPDATE- Fatal crash claims 5 lives. The #OPP has concluded the investigation into a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on Friday, May 23, 2025 in @CountyMiddlesex. No further information will be released out of respect for the families involved. #WROPP ^es pic.twitter.com/BZnoBFLTog
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) December 9, 2025