A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for the victims of a tragic crash that took place on the weekend in Wallaceburg.
“As many of you are aware our town has experienced a great tragedy as the result of a motor vehicle collision taking place on Sunday May 21,” Michelle Persyn, who organized the campaign with Haley Gagnier and Jordan Aarssen, said on the page.
“Our hearts are with the friends and families of Victoria Baertsoen, Shae-Lynn Bachus, Matt Cousins, Mackenzie VanDroffelaar, and Selena Bushey. To help reduce some of the stress and financial burden these families are currently facing we’re asking our community to come together to raise funds that will be equally divided between all five families. Any donation is welcomed and appreciated… Wallaceburg strong.”
With a target goal of $3,000 when the campaign was launched in the mid-afternoon on Tuesday, the fundraiser has already eclipsed $10,000 by 7:30 p.m.
Donate to the campaign, which is titled ‘Wallaceburg Strong’, here.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service released an update on Tuesday afternoon about the incident.
As previously reported, on May 21, 2023, at 9:55 p.m., emergency personnel responded to a severe motor vehicle collision on McNaughton Avenue at Wallace Street in Wallaceburg.
The collision involved a car and a semi-tanker truck resulting in the deaths of three occupants, life-threatening injury to a fourth occupant and non-life-threatening injuries to a fifth occupant.
“The Chatham-Kent Police Service would like to send condolences to the families of Victoria Baertsoen, 24 years, Matthew Cousins, 24 years, and Shae-Lynn Bachus, 23 years,” police officials said.
“We also want to send our thoughts and prayers to Selena Bushey, 22 years and Mackenzie Vandroffelaar, 25 years as they recover from this tragic incident. Selena sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is beginning her recovery. Mackenzie’s condition has stabilized but remains serious. Please keep everyone affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.”
Police say the Traffic Management Unit has taken over the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Josh Flikweert at joshuaf@chatham-kent.ca or 519-359-9204.
