OPP conclude investigation into collision that killed Walkerton, Ont. teacher, students

No charges have been laid in a fatal crash that killed four students and a teacher from Walkerton.

Several months after a two-vehicle collision claimed the lives of a teacher and four high school students in Middlesex County, Ont., provincial police say no charges will be laid.

On May 23, 2025, an SUV being driven by a high school teacher and carrying four students from Walkerton District Community School collided with a tractor trailer at the intersection of Cobble Hills Road and Thorndale Road near Thorndale.

All five occupants in the SUV died in the crash. They were later identified as teacher Matt Eckert and students Olivia Rourke, Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, and Danica Baker.

They were on their way home to Walkerton from a school softball tournament in Dorchester.

According to a social media post from OPP West Region on Tuesday, Sgt. Ed Sanchuk says the investigation into the collision had concluded, and OPP have determined that no charges will be laid in relation to the fatal crash.

Police say no further information will be released.

“The OPP wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic event,” Sanchuk said. “Our thoughts remain with them during this difficult time.”

With files from CTV News London’s Scott Miller and Fiona Robertson