'Heartbreak and grief beyond words': Doerksen family reaches out after devastating crash
Mother, toddler remain in hospital; father recovering from injuries
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 post.
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 mom remains in the hospital suffering from multiple injuries, including injuries to her kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs and pelvic bone, along with extensive bruising and trauma," Doerksen states.
"Our youngest brother is also still in the hospital receiving care and recovering from his injuries, and 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."
The fundraiser, which had raised over $100,000 as of 12:30pm on Monday, 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."
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 – not only the parents and other infant, but also the grandparents, I believe."
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."
