The family of one of the four Walkerton District Community School students killed in a crash northeast of London late last week is sharing their "overwhelming grief" with the community.
The family of Olivia Rourke issued a statement Tuesday night.
In it they remember Olivia as a light in their lives, stating that she was "full of kindness, laughter, dance, song, and love".
They added that her absence leaves a void that will never be filled and always remembered.
The Rourke family also thanked first responders for their effort and extended their deepest condolences to the families of the other victims of the crash.
"We ask for privacy and space as we navigate this devastating time and begin to grieve together as a family," the statement continued. "We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the community both locally and afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of support and love from all those who knew and loved Olivia as well as those who did not."
Olivia, along with fellow students Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, Danica Baker and their teacher Matt Eckert were killed while returning home from a sporting event in Dorchester last Friday afternoon when their SUV collided with a transport truck.
In the wake of the deadly collision, the community has banned together with over 1,000 people attending a vigil outside the school Sunday night and countless others placing running shoes on their front porches and leaving a light on in remembrance of those killed. Municipal flags are also flying at half-staff. The collision has prompted Thames Centre council to request Middlesex and Oxford counties conduct a traffic and roadway study at Thorndale and Cobble Hills roads - the intersection where the crash occurred.
An online fundraising campaign set up on behalf of the victims' families raised nearly $134,000 by Wednesday morning. The money will help cover funeral costs and other expenses related to the tragedy.
Below is the full statement from the Rourke Family:
It is with overwhelming grief that we confirm the loss of our beloved daughter, Olivia. No words can capture the depth of our sorrow or the pain we are experiencing as a family. Olivia was a light in our lives – full of kindness, laughter, dance, song and love – and her absence leaves a void that will never be filled and always remembered.
We know this grief is shared with others and we extend our deepest condolences to the other families that are grieving along side us in this tragic time.
We would like to take the opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the first responders, police, and emergency services for all their efforts and communication.
We ask for privacy and space as we navigate this devastating time and begin to grieve together as a family. We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the community both locally and afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of support and love from all those who knew and loved Olivia as well as those who did not.
At this time, we kindly ask the media to respect our need for peace and refrain from further inquiries as we try to come to terms with our loss.
Thank you for your compassion and understanding,
The Rourke Family
