Our community comes together in grief this weekend as family and friends prepare to lay five young siblings to rest following a heartbreaking crash that has shaken our region to its core.
Peter Doerksen, 12, Helena Doerksen, 10, Sara Doerksen, eight, Maggie Doerksen, six, and Susy Doerksen, four, died following a two-vehicle collision in Mapleton Township on Thursday, June 12. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at Wallenstein Bible Chapel in Wallenstein, followed by interment at Morningview Gospel Cemetery in Milverton.
"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of five beloved children," their obituary states.
The children are survived by their parents, Cornelius Doerksen Froese and Judit Doerksen, as well as six siblings. Visitation was held Friday at the chapel, giving the community a chance to pay their respects and support the grieving family.
According to Ontario Provincial Police, the children were among 10 occupants in a passenger van that collided with an SUV at the intersection of Wellington Road 12 and Fourth Line in Mapleton Township, northwest of Guelph. Four adults and an infant who were also traveling in the van suffered serious injuries, as did the driver of the SUV.
The children's sister, Nancy Doerksen, launched a crowdfunding appeal to help the family through this unimaginable time. In her appeal, she described the family's grief as "beyond words" and shared that their mother remains hospitalized with multiple serious injuries.
"Our mom remains in the hospital suffering from multiple injuries, including injuries to her kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs and pelvic bone, along with extensive bruising and trauma," Nancy wrote. "At this time, we are unsure how long her recovery will take."
She added that her father is recovering at home while helping care for the family. The fundraiser aims to cover funeral expenses and other costs as the family focuses on healing and recovery during this devastating period.
The tragedy has touched hearts far beyond our local community. Prime Minister Mark Carney shared his condolences on social media, writing: "My thoughts are with the family and their loved ones as they face this horrific tragedy, and with the people of Elmira and Mapleton. I offer my sincere thanks to the first responders for their swift action and support of those who were injured."
Police have not released any information suggesting charges are expected, and the investigation remains ongoing.
As our community rallies around the Doerksen family, we're reminded of the fragility of life and the strength we find in coming together during our darkest hours. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this terrible loss.
