‘A bad dream’: Father of Montreal toddler killed in bouncy castle overwhelmed by support

Luca Ciampini, the father of the Montreal toddler who was killed in a bouncy castle during a storm, says he is overwhelmed by the support of the community.

Each day, Luca Ciampini spends time at the park where the memorial for his daughter, Ava, continues to grow.

“She’d be so happy to see all these things,” Ciampini said of the stuffed animals, flowers and cards people have brought. “Heartbroken, still waiting to wake up from a bad dream.”

What’s helping the family right now is the outpouring of support.

“It’s really like just having extra hugs and extra love from the whole community,” he said. “Just remember her in all the best ways possible to give us that smile and to give us that strength to be able to wake up every day and do the best we can in this unimaginable time.”

Ava, 3, died from her injuries after being trapped inside an inflatable castle as it flew away during a severe thunderstorm on May 31.

Last week’s tragic event happened at a park that means a lot to the Ciampini family. Ouellette Park is where Ciampini says he asked his wife to be his girlfriend 18 years ago.

• READ MORE: Hundreds attend Montreal vigil for girl, 3, who died in bouncy castle

Five years ago, he asked her to marry him at the park. Ciampini says Tuesday night’s vigil helped bring joy.

“It was really beautiful just seeing everyone gathered together and all the love,” Ciampini said. “I really wasn’t expecting all that. It was truly special and I’ll remember it forever.”

The Ciampinis have another child, a young son.

“He turned one on June 3. So, a couple days right after the incident happened, we had to gear up and celebrate his first birthday during the most unimaginable times of our lives,” Ciampini said.

Ava’s memory will live on through others. At just three years old, she’s an organ donor.

“The whole thing behind it was that we wanted her to live a whole life and remember her legacy,” Ciampini said. “Her final act was a heroic one and donating her organs, she was able to save multiple lives.”

While still dealing with the loss, the family wants to honour their daughter and ensure she’s never forgotten.

“There definitely will be something,” Ciampini said. “We’ll make sure that our daughter’s name lives on forever, and she’s a part of it.”