As friends and family continues to mourn the loss of three young adults killed in a crash in Wallaceburg over the long weekend, a community memorial is being planned for next week.
Shae-Lynn Bachus, Victoria Baertsoen, and Matthew Cousins were killed when the car they were in collided with a tanker truck on McNaughton Avenue and Wallace Street Sunday night.
Two other passengers from the vehicle, Mackenzie Vandroffelaar and Selena Bushey remain in hospital.
The driver of the truck, whose name has not been publicly released, was also sent to hospital with minor physical injuries.
Pastor Brian Horrobin of First Baptist Church says many in the community feel the need to help.
“Prayer is a big thing and the Pastors of this community certainly feel that, so we really felt the need to be an addition to this week with the funerals and there will be an opportunity for people to come and pay their respects with public visitations,” Horrobin says. “Something after the fact as well for the community to regroup, gather, and call on God and ask Him to heal our community.”
Pastor Tim Leferink from Wallaceburg Christian Reformed Church says a public memorial will be held on Thursday, June 1st
“We have a community service, it’s a service of mourning that we will be doing at the Wallaceburg Christian Reformed Church, 7 o’clock in the evening. Everyone is welcome to come, it’s going to be a time of prayer and song and togetherness. We need to be with each other and work through these struggles that we’re (faced) with right now.”
Funerals for Bachus and Cousins are being held on Friday, May 26 while Baertsoen will be laid to rest Saturday, May 27.
In the meantime, Chatham-Kent Victim Services continues to offer support to those affected by the tragedy. P.A.C.E. therapy and counselling services in Wallaceburg is also offering complimentary grief and trauma support. If you or a loved one are struggling to process your feelings at this time, call 519-355-9576 or 519-328-4632.
