Death toll rises to six in Mapleton crash after SUV driver dies
Unnamed 42-year-old Brampton man died in hospital on June 19
MAPLETON – The driver of an SUV involved in a collision with a passenger van that killed five children last week has died.
An SUV and a van carrying 10 people from Atwood collided at 4th Line and Wellington Road 12, about five kilometres east of Conestogo Lake, in Mapleton Township, at around 7:30pm on June 12.
The 42-year-old man from Brampton, the sole occupant of the SUV, died in hospital on June 19 from injuries sustained in the collision, Wellington County OPP announced on June 20. Police did not name the man.
The death toll from the collision is now at six.
Five children from the Doerksen family — Susy, Maggie, Sara, Helena and Peter — were in the passenger van with five other occupants.
The children were identified in obituaries, and ranged in age from four to 12.
Four of the children were declared dead at the scene, and another later in hospital.
A funeral for the children was scheduled for June 20 in Milverton.
Also in the van were a younger sibling, the Doerksen parents, and Peter and Elizabeth Bartsch. All were taken to hospital with injuries.
The younger sibling has since been released from hospital with a broken leg, stated a June 15 update from Nancy Doerksen, posted to a GoFundMe campaign for the Doerksens.
"Our mom continues her recovery journey and is making slow but steady progress. She is still awaiting hip surgery and has a long road of healing ahead of her," the update continued.
"Our dad, who is also recovering from injuries sustained in the accident, will need support as he cares for our family and helps everyone through the difficult days, weeks and months ahead."
Information from a separate GoFundMe campaign for the Bartschs, states Elizabeth remains in critical condition with Peter by her side.
The investigation into the collision continues.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that may assist police can call 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
