What was meant to be a joyful end to a school softball tournament turned into a devastating loss that has shaken the entire community of Walkerton, Ontario.
Five lives were tragically cut short in a road accident that no one saw coming — and no one will soon forget.
The Accident That Changed Everything
It happened on a quiet Friday afternoon, around 4:30 p.m. Coach Matt Eckert, 33, along with four teenage girls — Olivia Rourke, Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, and Danica Baker — were on their way back from a high school slo-pitch tournament in Dorchester.
They never made it home.
According to police, the SUV they were traveling in collided with a tractor-trailer.
The impact was followed by a second crash when another SUV struck their vehicle.
Authorities are still piecing together the exact chain of events and the cause of the crash.
A Heartbreaking Toll
Three of the girls — two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old — died on the scene.
The fourth teen and Coach Eckert were rushed to the hospital but sadly didn’t survive their injuries.
The drivers of the tractor-trailer and the other SUV sustained only minor injuries.
Remembering the Girls
While official names hadn’t been released immediately, loved ones and teammates came forward to identify the victims.
The Tara Twins U18 girls softball team confirmed that Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford were among those lost.
Rowan’s father, Mike McLeod, was one of the team’s coaches.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, the team wrote, “Our entire Twins family is reeling from this loss, and our hearts go out to the families, friends, and teammates of these beautiful athletes.”
Coach Eckert: More Than a Teacher
Matt Eckert wasn’t just a high school coach — he also served as an assistant coach with the Owen Sound Junior B Northstars Lacrosse Club.
Those who knew him described him as the kind of coach who truly connected with his players.
“He had an infectious smile and a big heart,” said Ethan Woods, the club’s general manager.
“Matt made everyone feel seen and supported — we’ll never forget him.”
A Community Comes Together
As the shock set in, Walkerton residents rallied in support.
Flowers were placed outside the school, flags lowered to half-mast, and symbolic tributes — like running shoes on porches and porch lights left on — became signs of shared grief.
Sixteen-year-old Jasmine Hunter, who once had Eckert as a math teacher, recalled how he made even discipline feel lighthearted.
“He was strict when needed, but he always found a fun way to handle things,” she told CBC.
Fifteen-year-old Keegan Padfield also paid tribute, placing boots outside his home.
“He liked to joke around and was always kind. The girls were the same — they helped everyone and made school feel like a team.”
A Solemn Vigil and Words of Comfort
On Sunday, friends, family, and neighbors gathered outside Walkerton District Community School for a vigil.
The mood was somber but united.
Candles were lit, tears were shed, and stories were shared about the five lives that left an indelible mark.
Jamie Pettit from the Bluewater District School Board described the situation as a time of “unimaginable grief.”
He added, “It’s left a deep void in the heart of the community — and that grief won’t just fade overnight.”
In a joint statement, board chair Jane Thompson and education director Lori Wilder acknowledged the far-reaching impact of the tragedy.
“This is affecting many other communities, not just Walkerton. We must continue to support one another.”
What Happens Next?
As investigations continue, the focus remains on healing.
Memorials and tributes are expected to continue in the days ahead, and grief counselors are being made available to students and families.
But even in the darkest of times, Walkerton is showing what it means to come together — to honor the memories of five incredible lives, and to hold space for each other in sorrow and solidarity.