A joint funeral service for Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, was held at the Walkerton Community Centre on Saturday. The two teenagers were tragically killed in a car accident near London, Ontario, last week.
Attendance and Community Impact
- Over 1,000 people attended the service in person.
- Hundreds more watched online via livestream.
- The large turnout reflects the significant impact Olivia and Danica had on their community.
The Accident
The two teenagers were part of a group of five who died when their SUV crashed into another vehicle and a transport truck while returning from a softball tournament on May 23rd. Friends and family shared fond memories during the eulogy.
Memories Shared
Olivia Rourke
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Olivia’s cousin, Rae, spoke about her personality:
"They had contagious smiles that could light up absolutely everything."
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Rae delivered an emotional eulogy, stating:
"She was truly a bright light in our family."
Danica Baker
- Danica’s friends shared memories, highlighting their plans together, which included:
- Touring universities in the fall
- Traveling the world
- Raising two little girls together
One friend poignantly noted:
"What hurts the most is that we had so many plans that are now left unfinished."
Shared Passions
Friends recalled their love for sports, with one stating:
"She was the best softball player I’ve ever seen," while another remembered her infectious laugh during games.
Friendship and Future Plans
- Olivia and Danica met through sports and became close friends.
- They planned to travel around Europe together before heading off to university, where they intended to study business administration at Western University.
Community Support
Their families have set up separate GoFundMe pages, with donations exceeding $200,000 combined. Fundraising events, such as bake sales, are being organized across Ontario, including one scheduled for Sunday afternoon outside Walkerton High School, where both girls attended until recently.
Lasting Memories
Friends reminisced about the joy of playing softball together every summer since elementary school. They admired Danica’s hard work and determination, with one friend stating:
- "She always gave 100% effort, no matter the game situation."
Another friend noted her resilience:
- "She never gave up hope, even when faced with difficult challenges."
The memories of Olivia and Danica will continue to inspire their friends and community as they navigate this profound loss.
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