One year after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of four students from Walkerton and a teacher, families, friends, and community members are coming together this weekend to honor those who were lost and the impact they had.
The multi-vehicle crash northeast of London, Ont., resulted in the deaths of four teenage girls from Walkerton District Community School (WDCS) and their teacher as they headed home from a softball tournament on May 23, 2025.
The loss of 17-year-old Olivia Rourke and Rowan Mc Leod, along with 16-year-olds Kaydance Ford and Danica Baker, along with their teacher Matt Eckert, 33, shook Walkerton and nearby communities deeply. This led to vigils, memorials, and tributes throughout Ontario.
In the year since the tragedy, loved ones express that while grief lingers, there’s also a strong desire to honor the victims through sports, scholarships, and community events.
For the Bluewater Ballistix volleyball club in Grey-Bruce, Saturday’s anniversary will be particularly emotional as players and families gather to remember Danica Baker who was also lost in the crash.
“They’re actually gathering on Saturday at Danica’s grandma’s place for a barbecue where they’ll have an opportunity to be together again,” said Matt Pickett, president of the club.
Matt Pickett described Danica Baker as a dedicated athlete with a strong sense of humour who was deeply valued by teammates and coaches alike (Bluewater Ballistix Volleyball)
Pickett spoke about Baker being a hardworking athlete with a great sense of humor who was greatly appreciated by her teammates and coaches.
“She was a super hard-working, super likeable kid,” he said. “I think every mom and dad would hope for their kids to turn out like Danica.”
Instead of retiring Baker’s jersey number out of respect, the club decided to make No. 11 represent leadership and character.
“Kids who wear No. 11 know that that’s an honour,” Pickett stated. “They understand it represents what Danica stood for.”
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Kaydance Ford and Rowan Mc Leod, pictured after a championship softball final with the Tara Twins in August 2024. (Credit: Facebook/Tara Twins Minor Softball)
For Karin Farrow, Rowan Mc Leod’s mother, this past year has felt like moving through thick fog. She mentioned it’s just starting to settle in that this is her family’s new reality.
“Rowan has been heavy through our house,” she shared. “We think about who she is and what she’s missing out on along with everything she brought into our lives.”
Farrow described her daughter as “fun and silly,” someone who enjoyed being around people as part of any team; she “brought light to everybody that she was around.” She emphasized how Rowan had strong connections not only within Walkerton but also in neighboring areas.
“The thing that strikes us the most is the community’s support-the love we received from everyone continues to show us grace and compassion,” she said.
Apart from softball activities such as hockey or football games, Mc Leod passionately played broomball too. In December last year, a local tournament took place in her honor raising thousands for the Rowan Mc Leod Memorial Fund which donated money towards WDCS’ kindergarten program.
The U20 team Mc Leod played for-the Young Guns-also began creating pink bracelets which have spread widely according to Farrow.
“It’s surprising how far she reached so many people because sometimes I wouldn’t even know them but she did,” Farrow added.
WATCH | How 4 Walkerton student and their teacher are being remembered:
How 4 Walkerton students and their teacher are being remembered after fatal crashMonths after this tragic accident occurred, the community at Walkerton District Community School continues honoring these four student athletes along with their teacher by giving back.
Throughout volleyball season, Baker’s teammates have been keeping her memory alive too-wearing special jerseys during Ontario championships.
“There’s an emptiness that all girls feel, and parents along with coaches realize it too,”said Pickett.“But healing must come from grief.”
The club also established Bluewater Ballistix Danica Baker Fund via Owen Sound Community Foundation aimed at supporting young athletes while helping students moving forward.
“It’s about community remembering while coming together,”Pickett expressed.“That will always be there.”
In October, police announced their investigation regarding crash concluded without any charges filed.
This tragedy reignited discussions surrounding road safety issues within area; earlier this year officials representing Middlesex Centre noted they were considering possible safety upgrades at intersection where collision took place.
Pickett remarked how community response over past year displayed strength found within both Walkerton alongside surrounding regions.
“Youth is precious,”he stated.“She loved doing what made happy: participating in sports alongside friends. And that’s my hope-they’ll do same five years later or ten years later.”
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How 4 Walkerton students and their teacher are being remembered after fatal crashMonths after this tragic accident occurred, the community at Walkerton District Community School continues honoring these four student athletes along with their teacher by giving back.
Throughout volleyball season, Baker’s teammates have been keeping her memory alive too-wearing special jerseys during Ontario championships.
“There’s an emptiness that all girls feel, and parents along with coaches realize it too,”said Pickett.“But healing must come from grief.”
The club also established Bluewater Ballistix Danica Baker Fund via Owen Sound Community Foundation aimed at supporting young athletes while helping students moving forward.
“It’s about community remembering while coming together,”Pickett expressed.“That will always be there.”
In October, police announced their investigation regarding crash concluded without any charges filed.
This tragedy reignited discussions surrounding road safety issues within area; earlier this year officials representing Middlesex Centre noted they were considering possible safety upgrades at intersection where collision took place.
Pickett remarked how community response over past year displayed strength found within both Walkerton alongside surrounding regions.
“Youth is precious,”he stated.“She loved doing what made happy: participating in sports alongside friends. And that’s my hope-they’ll do same five years later or ten years later.”
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