Two adolescents killed in an accident near London, Ontario, just over a week ago, were remembered on Saturday for their contagious smiles that “could illuminate absolutely everything.”
Hundreds attended the funeral of Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, at the Walkerton Community Center, along with almost 1,000 who were tuned in a live broadcast.
The couple was killed along with two other girls, Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford, and their 33 -year -old coach Matt Eckert, who was a teacher at the Community School of the Walkerton district. The five died when their SUV collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23 while returning from a softball tournament in the area.
Some members of the family and friends of Rourke and Baker shared memories of the two teenagers during Saturday’s service, since more classmates of classmates paid tribute to their athletic uniforms.
The girls were described as cheerful teammates who sang “at the top of their lungs” and dance “without worrying.”
As a friend said, even after a moment of silence for the duo: “Silence was not really his.”
Valarie Brown from Woodstock, Ontario, visited the place of the accident where four students and her teacher were killed on Thorndale and Cobble Hills roads.
Rourke was “the bravest, thicker and more great girl,” said his cousin Ra in a praise, adding that it was “really a brilliant light in our family.”
Others praised their resolution. Friends said Rourke shone in gymnastics and also loved other sports, even those in which he was not the best. He tried for each team and had convinced that his pure determination was going to win his athlete of the year.
Rourke also had a stage presence and loved to represent a scene.
His “ingenious jokes, positive energy and daring comments could bring a smile to anyone’s face,” said RAE.
“What hurts most is that we had so many plans that are now without finishing,” said his cousin.
“We were going to tour universities in autumn, traveling around the world and raising two girls together that would be like us. As we expected these great moments in life, I never thought that Olivia would not experience them with me.”
Baker’s cousin, Aislyn, said he left a brand in all those he met through his “infectious smile, his silly laugh and his positive and reflective presence.”
Remember as a talented pianist and quiet leader, he was a “vibrant young soul” perfectionist and enjoyed expressing himself through his hair, makeup, nails and fashion.
Baker was an adventurer and independent: he enjoyed going to the camp from an early age and was not afraid to go alone. She loved all sports, but found her passion on the volleyball court.
“Not only Danica had a beautiful face, but also a beautiful soul,” Aislyn said.
“Danica was just beginning to bloom in this incredible independent and more affectionate person.”
The Walkerton community, home with about 4,500 residents, continues to cry the tragedy. Last weekend, more than 1,000 people gathered outside the Girls School to show support during a vigil.
The city of Walkerton in southwest Ontario continues to cry the loss of five people killed last week in a multiple vehicle accident outside London, Ontario: Olivia Rourke, Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, Danica Baker and Matt Eckert.
Dozens of support workers had a presence in school this week while students and staff cry. The Director of Education of the Bluewater District School Board, Lori Wilder, said that a commemorative table had also been established within the school for the five victims.
Chris Peabody, the mayor of Brockton, the municipality that covers Walkerton, said the “incomprehensible tragedy” has left the devastated city.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences on social networks a few days after the incident, saying that the five deaths are heartbreaking.
“This is an unimaginable loss, one that no family, no classmate, no school should have to endure. Canadians are holding the Walkerton community in our hearts,” Carney wrote in X.
