Two teens killed in a crash near London, Ont., just over a week ago were remembered on 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. All five died when their SUV collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23 while they were returning from a softball tournament in the area.
A few family members and friends of both Rourke and Baker shared memories of the two teens during Saturday’s service as dozens more classmates paid tribute wearing their athletic uniforms.
The girls were described as joyful teammates who would sing “at the top of their lungs” and dance “without a care.”
As one friend put it, even after a moment of silence for the duo: “Silence wasn’t really their thing.”
Valarie Brown of Woodstock, Ont., visited the crash site where four students and their teacher were killed at Thorndale and Cobble Hills Roads.
Rourke was “the spunkiest, sassiest and coolest little girl,” her cousin Rae said in a eulogy, adding she was “truly a bright light in our family.”
Others praised her resolve. Friends said Rourke shone in gymnastics and loved other sports, too, even those she wasn’t the best at. She tried out for every team and had convinced herself that her sheer determination was going to win her athlete of the year.
Rourke also had a presence on the stage and loved to act out a scene.
Her “witty jokes, positive energy and sassy remarks could bring a smile to anyone’s face,” Rae said.
“What hurts the most is that we had so many plans that are now left unfinished,” her cousin said.
“We were going to tour universities in the fall, travel the world and raise two little girls together that would be just like us. As we looked forward to these big moments in life, I never thought that Olivia wouldn’t be experiencing them with me.”
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.”
Remembered as a gifted piano player and quiet leader, she was a perfectionist and “vibrant young soul” who enjoyed expressing herself through her hair, makeup, nails and fashion.
Baker was adventurous and independent — she enjoyed going to camp from a young age and wasn’t afraid to go alone. She loved all sports but found her passion on the volleyball court.
“Not only did Danica have a gorgeous face, but a gorgeous soul, too,” Aislyn said.
“Danica was just starting to blossom into this amazing independent and most caring person.”
The Walkerton community, home to about 4,500 residents, continues to mourn the tragedy. Last weekend, more than 1,000 people gathered outside the girls’ school to show support during a vigil.
The southwestern Ontario town of Walkerton continues to mourn the loss of five people killed last week in a multi-vehicle crash outside London, Ont.: Olivia Rourke, Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, Danica Baker and Matt Eckert.
Dozens of support workers had a presence at the school this week as students and staff grieve. Bluewater District School Board education director Lori Wilder said a memorial table had also been set up inside the school for the five victims.
Chris Peabody, the mayor of Brockton, the municipality encompassing Walkerton, said the “incomprehensible tragedy” has left the town devastated.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences on social media a few days after the incident, saying the five deaths are 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,” Carney wrote on X.
