A tight-knit Ontario community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of five lives — a beloved coach and four teenage girls — after a fatal crash involving a tractor-trailer on Friday, May 17.
The victims, including Matt Eckert, 33, a teacher and coach at Walkerton District Community School, were returning home from the 27th Annual Girls’ High School Invitational Slo-Pitch Tournament in Dorchester when their SUV collided with a tractor-trailer around 4:30 p.m., according to the Ontario Provincial Police.
Shortly after the initial impact, the vehicle was struck by a second SUV. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the tragic chain-reaction crash.
Lives Lost Too Soon
Four students — identified by loved ones and local sports organizations as Olivia Rourke, Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, and Danica Baker — were all students at Walkerton District Community School. Two of the girls were 17, and the others were 16.
Police confirmed that three of the teens died at the scene, while the fourth and Eckert were rushed to the hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The tractor-trailer driver and two individuals in the other SUV sustained only minor injuries.
Devastation Felt Across the Community
Though the victims have not all been officially named by police, tributes from local organizations have confirmed their identities. The Tara Twins U18 girls’ softball team, where Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford played, posted a moving statement:
“The Tara Twins have lost two of our own… Our entire Twins family is reeling from this loss. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and teammates of these beautiful athletes.”
Eckert was more than a school coach — he was also an assistant coach with the Owen Sound Junior B NorthStars Lacrosse Club, where he left a lasting impact.
“Matt connected with our players on a level that is indescribable,” wrote General Manager Ethan Woods. “His infectious smile and caring heart are things that will never be forgotten. We love you so much, Ecky.”
A Community in Mourning
In the wake of the tragedy, the town of Walkerton, Ontario, has come together in a wave of grief and solidarity. Flowers and tributes now line the outside of the high school, flags have been lowered, and homes across the community have placed running shoes and boots on their porches, symbolizing the young lives lost.
Residents like Jasmine Hunter, 16, remembered Coach Eckert as a kind and encouraging teacher.
“He was a great teacher. Even when kids acted out, he’d discipline them in a fun, respectful way,” she told CBC.
Keegan Padfield, 15, left a pair of boots outside his home and reflected on how supportive the girls were when he began high school.
“When I first started out in Grade 9, they were all really supportive and helped everyone improve,” he said.
Candlelight Vigil Honors the Victims
On Sunday evening, the community held a vigil outside Walkerton District Community School to honor the lives of Matt Eckert, Olivia Rourke, Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, and Danica Baker. Hundreds gathered in silent tribute, lighting candles and offering prayers as they remembered five vibrant lives taken too soon.
