The sister of five kids who tragically passed away in a “devastating” crash in rural Ontario on Friday evening is reaching out to the community for help.
Nancy Doerksen expressed that her family’s “heartbreak and grief is beyond words.” She shared this feeling on a crowdfunding page after the incident.
The accident occurred around 7:30 p. m. Friday at the intersection of Wellington Road 12 and Fourth Line in Mapleton Township, northwest of Guelph.
According to investigators, a passenger van carrying 10 people collided with an SUV carrying one individual at the intersection.
Sadly, five children aged four, six, eight, ten, and twelve lost their lives. They were all siblings of Doerksen. As the second oldest among 12 siblings, she was not in the vehicle during the crash.
The photo posted on the Go Fund Me page is said to be the latest picture of their entire family, which Doerksen confirmed to ; however, she opted not to do an interview.
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This picture was taken just two weeks ago on her wedding day.
“Our mom remains in the hospital suffering from multiple injuries, including injuries to her kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs and pelvic bone, along with extensive bruising and trauma,” she mentioned on the page. “At this time, we are unsure how long her recovery will take.”
Doerksen informed supporters that her dad is recovering at home and needs financial assistance as he “cares for our family and helps everyone through these tough days, weeks, and months ahead.”
Her infant brother has also been released from the hospital.
Doerksen confirmed to that two other individuals traveling in the van were family friends. One remains hospitalized but is stable.
The Doerksen family is shown in this June 2026 photo. The arrows were added by Nancy Doerksen to identify the children who died. Nancy Doerksen/Go Fund Me
The crowdfunding page was set up to help lessen the financial strain from funeral costs and unexpected travel expenses for the family.
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“This support will allow our family to focus on healing, recovery, and being together during this incredibly difficult time,” she wrote on the fundraiser’s page.
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Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. Around Tuesday afternoon, over $250,000 had been raised. A separate fundraiser for medical expenses for Peter and Elizabeth Bartsch has gathered nearly $20,000 according to a Go Fund Me official.Nationwide response
The impact of this tragedy has resonated across Canada. “My thoughts are with the family and their loved ones as they face this horrific tragedy,” Prime Minister Mark Carney shared on social media along with his support for Elmira and Mapleton residents. “I offer my sincere thanks to first responders for their swift action and support of those who were injured.” More on Canada More videos Premier Doug Ford expressed similar feelings stating that Ontario is “grieving during this terrible time.” , Gregg Davidson, mayor of Mapleton Township told The Canadian Press about available supports for volunteer firefighters and others who witnessed both collision events as well as its aftermath. ” Our community is strong , and our community is resilient ,” he stated.” We’ll respond with kindness , and love , like we always do. Story continues below The Mapleton Fire and Rescue team remarked that their crews’ “hearts are heavy” due to grief spreading throughout their whole community. “We would also like express our sincere appreciation towards neighboring fire departments , paramedic services , police , and all first responder partners whom worked collaboratively under extremely challenging circumstances,” stated a post from them on social media. “Their professionalism , compassion , and cooperation reflect everything good about our emergency services community. In moments like these we’re reminded just how strong our region really can be.”OPP double down road rules
The OPP has yet provided any indication regarding cause crash mentioning investigation remains ongoing while Chief Supt Dwight Thib emphasized need motorists remain aware intersections can dangerous. About quarter nearly 5k collisions recorded within OPP West region between ‘21-‘25 related intersections resulting thirteen fatalities occurring ‘25 alone according data provided by OPP itself. Leading up collision OPP already begun planning traffic intersection safety campaign. Thib explained campaign titled “Stop Look Live”, aims provide education enforcement drivers ensure full stop every stop sign encountered while driving around area.*.Source link
