'Heartbreak and grief beyond words': Doerksen family reaches out after devastating crash
Go Fund Me campaign for family has raised more than $250,000
MAPLETON – "My family is living through a tragedy no one should have to face."
Those are the words of Nancy Doerksen, taken from a Sunday night Go Fund Me page.
The campaign is raising money to support the family after five children died and five others were injured – both parents, a younger brother and two other family members – in a two-vehicle crash near Conestogo Lake on June 12.
"Our youngest brother has now been released from the hospital. Thankfully, his injuries were limited to a broken leg, and he is recovering well at home," Doerksen stated in a June 15 update.
"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."
Her injuries also include those "to her kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs and pelvic bone, along with extensive bruising and trauma," Doerksen noted.
"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."
By Monday, people had started to leave small items in remembrance of the five children who died Saturday at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12, in Mapleton Township. Photos by Nicole Beswitherick
The fundraiser, which had raised over $250,000 as of 10am on Tuesday, will help cover funeral expenses, travel costs, lost income and other needs associated with the tragedy.
"We lost five precious children who were deeply loved by all of us," Doerksen states. "The heartbreak and grief are beyond words, and our family is trying to navigate an unimaginable reality while supporting one another through this painful time."
She also asked people to "keep the Bartsch family in your prayers. [Peter and Elizabeth Bartsch] were travelling in the same vehicle and were directly impacted by this tragedy.
"Mrs. Bartsch remains in the hospital but is stable and continuing her recovery. If you would like to support their family, please consider donating to them as well: https://gofund.me/cb9400cc8."
That campaign has raised about $5,000 as of 9:30pm on Monday.
Politicians have been expressing condolences to the family, including Mark Carney, who said "we mourn with the people of Elmira and Mapleton."
He expressed "gratitude to the first responders for their swift action and for supporting those who were injured."
Mapleton Mayor Gregg Davidson told the Advertiser, "We're deeply concerned for the family – the loss of life that took place with the five children, and the family hospitalized."
He said, "We'd be very supportive of doing whatever we can for that family."
Davidson also expressed condolences to the church groups and schools impacted by the crash, and praised the first responders at the scene, noting the firefighters are volunteers – "regular people working regular jobs."
