A sixth person has died after a tragic two-vehicle accident in Mapleton Township, Ont. on June 12, as reported by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
This update comes while families and community members were already gathering to grieve the loss of five children who perished in the same incident.
Wallenstein Bible Chapel Wallenstein Bible Chapel in Wallenstein, Ont. (Hannah Schmidt/)
Peter was just 12 years old; Helena was 10; Sara was 8; Maggie was 6; and Susy was only 4.
A visitation occurred Friday at Wallenstein Bible Chapel in Wallenstein, Ont.
Peter Helena Sara Maggie Susy Doerksen Mapleton township crash collision fatal Peter, Helena, Sara, Maggie and Susy Doerksen in photos taken from their obituaries. (Source: Mark Jutzi Funeral Home)
A photo of family involved in Friday’s tragic crash in Mapleton Township near Drayton, Ont. A photo of family involved in Friday’s tragic crash in Mapleton Township near Drayton, Ont.
Carter mentioned that everyone is focusing on remembering those lost – as well as supporting those left behind during this tough time filled with grief.
“Our gatherings are such an important part helping us move through grief. Grief is a long journey unique for each individual,” she stated.
flowers Flowers are seen on Wellington Road twelve side Road12in Mapleton Townshipon June20th2026.(Hannah Schmidt/)
For those honoring lives lost，it’s not about asking questions – it’s about saying goodbye.
“This tragedy has had far-reaching effects，and numbers gathered today reflect how much we need one another amid trauma，” Carter added.
Investigations ongoing
The investigation is being led by OPP Crime Unit under direction OPP Criminal Investigation Branch，with help Office Chief Coroner Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.OPP Forensic Identification Services Traffic Incident Management Enforcement team also helping.Appeal information
Investigators asking anyone may witnessed collision or dashcam footage come forward.Information can provided directly OPP anonymously through Crime Stoppers.Reporting Kitchener’s Alexandra Holyk Jennifer Baker Shelby KnoxRelated Stories
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Heartbreaking crash at rural intersection
On June 12, around 7:30 p. m., the Ontario Provincial Police Wellington County Detachment responded to a collision at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12 involving a passenger van and an SUV. According to police, four children inside the van were pronounced dead at the scene. A fifth child later died in hospital. Tow trucks carrying wrecked vehicles leave the scene of a deadly two-car collision in Mapleton Township, northwest of Kitchener, Ont. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Five children were killed and six people were injured in the crash. THE CANADIAN PRESS/I.. Tow trucks carrying wrecked vehicles leave the scene of a deadly two-car collision in Mapleton Township, northwest of Kitchener, Ont. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Five children were killed and six people were injured in the crash. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ian Stewart Five other passengers from the van suffered injuries ranging from serious to minor, including an infant. All ten individuals involved were from the Atwood area. The driver of the SUV was a 42-year-old man from Brampton who was taken to hospital after the accident. Police confirmed he passed away Friday due to his injuries.Funeral service for five lost children
A funeral service took place Saturday at 2 p. m., followed by burial in Milverton, Ont. for the five children who tragically lost their lives. They have been identified as members of the Doersken family.Wallenstein Bible Chapel Wallenstein Bible Chapel in Wallenstein, Ont. (Hannah Schmidt/)
Peter was just 12 years old; Helena was 10; Sara was 8; Maggie was 6; and Susy was only 4.
A visitation occurred Friday at Wallenstein Bible Chapel in Wallenstein, Ont.
Peter Helena Sara Maggie Susy Doerksen Mapleton township crash collision fatal Peter, Helena, Sara, Maggie and Susy Doerksen in photos taken from their obituaries. (Source: Mark Jutzi Funeral Home)
Community supports grieving family
Kara Carter, a pastor at Elmira Mennonite Church who isn’t related to the family but is familiar with them said that following this tragedy support has come pouring in from all over with online fundraisers collecting hundreds of thousands for affected families. “[We’re] near that kind of small community culture that everybody knows each other or is connected to somebody or knows somebody who’s related and so we feel it in those ways,” she told on Saturday. “As I have been about in the community this past week, I have heard just this strong yearning, this need to respond. Some will be offering food; some will be offering transportation to see family members in hospital. Others are providing spiritual resources through prayer.”A photo of family involved in Friday’s tragic crash in Mapleton Township near Drayton, Ont. A photo of family involved in Friday’s tragic crash in Mapleton Township near Drayton, Ont.
Carter mentioned that everyone is focusing on remembering those lost – as well as supporting those left behind during this tough time filled with grief.
“Our gatherings are such an important part helping us move through grief. Grief is a long journey unique for each individual,” she stated.
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