‘Unapologetically herself’: Funeral celebrates life of St. Thomas, Ont. teen killed in crash

The community of St. Thomas came together Saturday to remember the life of Hadley Denison, who died following a fatal crash. CTV’s Brent Lale reports.

It was a quirky service for a quirky young woman.

Hundreds of families and friends of Hadley Denison gathered to celebrate her life on Saturday.

“In her 17 years of life, she lived 100,” said Ryder Denison, Hadley’s brother. “Remaining unapologetically herself, not caring what others thought, standing up for herself and others while still laughing throughout the whole thing.”

Those in attendance danced while they played and sang her favourite songs.

It was a celebration of life, but there were moments of sadness and grief.

“This is not how it was supposed to be,” said Steve Brown, a pastor at Faith St. Thomas church. “A young vibrant woman with so much promise, so much joy, so much love, gone in a moment.”

The 17-year-old Denison was killed after the sedan she was riding in collided with a grain truck just east of St. Thomas on Friday Nov. 14, 2025.

She fought in hospital for a few days, before the aftermath of the crash took her life.

“Hadley wasn’t only full of life, but full of love,” said Brown. “She only cared about others.”

Her compassion was felt by Dave and Jodi Wood of St. Thomas. They would often visit the store where Hadley worked, and Hadley would interact and strike up a conversation with their 18-year-old son who has autism.

“I’m sure it might not seem like much to a lot of people, but it was a big deal to us,” said Dave. “The impact she had on our family will never be forgotten and we will always love her for that.”

Her influence on others was on display when dozens of her mother Heather’s co-workers from London Health Sciences Centre took the stage. They spoke about Hadley’s decision to become an organ donor and then played a video of a ‘hero walk’ down the halls of LHSC.

“If anything, ever happens to me I want you someone else to have the opportunity to have life,” Brown read a previous note from Hadley. “This reveals her heart was shaped by compassion, generosity and grace.”

Her grandparents spoke of their travels with Hadley, favourite snacks and love.

“We will miss the 7:30 a.m. texts,” said Anita Under, Hadley’s grandma. “’Can I get a ride to school?’ Sorry for the short notice.’ ‘Are you going to church on Sunday?’ Can I come too?’ ‘Can I get a ride to work?’”

Her took the microphone saying he looked up to his sister who could “light an entire room and help others no matter how she was feeling that day.”

“A beautiful soul full of life and sheer determination to keep on moving through any situation,” said Ryder. “She will always remain my guide in times of trouble.”

Described as a kind soul, who was always thinking of others, Hadley Denison is a young woman who a community will never forget.