A beloved high school teacher and four teenage students from Walkerton District Community School in Ontario were killed on May 23, 2025, when their SUV collided with a transport truck while returning home from a softball tournament.
The fatal crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Thorndale Road and Cobble Hills Road in Middlesex County, approximately 15 minutes northeast of London, Ontario.
Matt Eckert, 33, a teacher and coach at the school, was driving the SUV carrying four female students when the vehicle crashed into the tractor-trailer and was subsequently struck by a second SUV, according to Ontario Provincial Police. Two 17-year-old girls and one 16-year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene. Eckert and another 16-year-old girl were transported to a hospital, where both later died from their injuries. The 16-year-old was airlifted by Ornge air ambulance.
The driver of the transport truck and two occupants of the second SUV sustained minor injuries in the collision. Police continue to investigate the cause of the accident. The four female students were identified as Olivia Rourke, Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, and Danica Baker.
The Owen Sound North Stars Junior B Lacrosse club confirmed Eckert’s death through social media, identifying him as an assistant coach with the organization. Ethan Woods, the club’s general manager, described Eckert as having an indescribable connection with players and being a best friend to fellow coaches. The lacrosse organization expressed that Eckert’s infectious smile and caring heart would never be forgotten.
Several local sports teams have identified the four teenage victims through their own statements. The Tara Twins U18 girls softball team confirmed that Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford were members of their team, coached by Rowan’s father Mike McLeod. The team indicated their entire organization was reeling from the loss and extended condolences to the families, friends, and teammates of the athletes.
The Bluewater Ballistix volleyball team identified Danica Baker as a member of their U17G Ballistix Boom team. Team representatives described Baker as a true ray of light whose spirit illuminated every room and volleyball court she entered. CTV News identified the fourth victim as Olivia Rourke.
Eckert was remembered not only as a school educator but also for his involvement in community sports. He previously played for the Owen Sound Grey of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League and helped the Orangeville Northmen achieve a Canadian Lacrosse Association Minto Cup Jr. A Championship in 2012. The Bluewater District School Board described the incident as a time of unimaginable grief for the community.
The community of Walkerton has responded with an outpouring of grief and support. Hundreds of residents attended a vigil on May 25 outside the school, where a growing memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, and other tributes was established. Municipal flags and school flags were lowered to half-staff.
Community members across the region participated in tribute activities, placing running shoes on their front porches and leaving lights on in honor of the victims and their families. Some residents also hung orange NorthStar lacrosse team shirts outside their homes to remember Eckert.
Chris Peabody, mayor of Brockton, which encompasses Walkerton, characterized the community’s mood as absolutely terrible following the crash. Peabody stated, “It’s an incomprehensible tragedy.” He noted that the town was simultaneously grieving another death – a worker who died on the same day at a local manufacturing plant.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed condolences through social media, describing the deaths as heartbreaking and an unimaginable loss that no family, classmate or school should endure. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also extended his sympathies to the families and loved ones affected by the collision.
Funeral services for the victims were held on the weekend of May 31. A joint service for Olivia Rourke and Danica Baker was planned at the Walkerton Community Centre, while memorial gatherings for Kaydance Ford and Rowan McLeod were arranged at venues in Chesley. Eckert’s funeral was scheduled at an Owen Sound high school, with his family suggesting attendees wear casual attire, including sweatpants and comfortable footwear.
The Bluewater District School Board’s Tragedy Response Team provided grief counselling and support services to students and staff at the school. The team remained available throughout the week following the incident to assist those struggling with the devastating loss. The group had been returning from the 27th annual Girls’ High School Invitational Slo-Pitch Tournament in Dorchester when the collision occurred.
