Residents of Walkerton, Ontario, have come together in a show of grief and solidarity following the deaths of four teenage athletes and their teacher in a multi-vehicle crash near London last week. To honor the victims, locals turned on porch lights and left running shoes outside their homes.
A candlelight vigil was planned at Walkerton District Community School, where the four girls, aged 16 and 17, attended, and Matt Eckert, 33, worked as a teacher and coach. The tragic accident, which occurred as the group returned from a slo-pitch tournament, deeply affected the small Bruce County community.
Mayor Chris Peabody described the event as an “incredibly deep scar” that will take time to heal, while community members gathered to lay flowers and tributes at a memorial growing outside the school.
Fifteen-year-old student Keegan Padfield, who knew the victims through school sports and was coached by Eckert, remembered him as a kind and humorous mentor. The four girls were also described as supportive teammates who helped others improve.
The crash involved an SUV carrying the five victims colliding with a transport truck and subsequently being hit by a second SUV. Two 17-year-olds died at the scene; Eckert and another girl were hospitalized but later succumbed to their injuries. Investigations continue into the cause of the collision.
Matt Eckert was also a Junior B assistant coach for the NorthStars Lacrosse Club, where his caring nature and infectious smile left a lasting impact. The school board is providing mental health support to students and staff coping with the devastating loss.
This tragedy has united the community, highlighting the importance of support and resilience in the face of profound grief.
Source: Swifteradio.com
