Walkerton School Reopens After Tragic Crash Kills Students and Coach: Community Healing Begins
Central Ontario students return to school today amid heightened mental health support following community tragedies.
Students and staff returning to classes today in Walkerton, a central Ontario town, are being met with increased mental health support as the community works to cope with an unimaginable tragedy. After the loss of four students and a beloved teacher, the Bluewater District School Board has deployed additional mental health and tragedy response teams to Walkerton District Community School.
School board spokesperson Jamie Pettit described the incident as a "horrible tragedy" that has affected not only those directly involved but the wider community as well. According to authorities, the fatal accident took place on Friday when the group’s SUV collided with a transport truck and another vehicle northeast of London, Ontario, as they were returning from a school sporting event.
The victims included Matt Eckert, 33, who served as both a teacher and an assistant coach with the Owen Sound NorthStars Junior B Lacrosse club, along with four teenage girls—two aged 16 and two aged 17. Police have not released the students’ names but confirmed their ages as the local community processes the overwhelming loss.
In a statement on social media, the lacrosse club paid tribute to Eckert, expressing deep sorrow at his passing and remembering his impact both on and off the field.
The school community gathered Sunday evening for a candlelight vigil in front of Walkerton District Community School. Hundreds attended to pay their respects, lighting candles and laying flowers as a show of unity and collective mourning.
Pettit noted that school staff assembled before students arrived to prepare for what he called "a lot of heavy lifting" ahead. The focus is on supporting students through the initial phases of shock and grief, with counselors and support workers available throughout the day.
"When you have five individuals in one event with a significant loss of life, it certainly does resonate and send a ripple throughout the community," said Pettit. "I think the impact is going to be felt for a long time."
The community is expected to continue coming together in the days ahead as students, staff, and families find ways to honor those lost and support one another through this difficult time.
