Tragedy has struck Walpole Island First Nation, as a six-year-old died in a crash in St. Clair Township on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
Lambton OPP officials allege at approximately 6:50 p.m., the Lambton County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with St. Clair Township Fire Department, and Lambton Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a report of a collision at the intersection of St. Clair Parkway and West Smith Line in Sombra.
“All four occupants of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) were transported to hospital,” OPP officials said in a media release.
“Three individuals suffered life-threatening injuries. One of the passengers, a six-year-old of Walpole Island First Nation, was later pronounced deceased at hospital. The driver sustained serious non-life-threatening injuries.”
OPP officials say St. Clair Parkway was closed between South Street and West Holt Line.
West Smith Line was also closed between Baseline Road and St. Clair Parkway.
The closures remained in place for approximately six hours and have since reopened.
“Members of the Lambton OPP, including the Lambton OPP Crime Unit and the OPP West Region Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) Team, continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision,” OPP officials added.
“The Lambton OPP is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have dash cam footage from the area at the time of the incident to please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).”
Walpole Island First Nation Council issued a statement following the crash, along with a list of service available in the community.
“Chief and Council are deeply sorry for the devastating loss of a beloved child in our community,” Walpole Island officials posted on social media.
“It would be impossible for words to capture the grief and heartbreak of the families impacted, and the grief and overwhelm felt by our community, experiencing such a tragedy, but please know you are not alone. There are people who care and who want to support you during this difficult time. Please reach out to a trusted parent, relative, elder, adult, counsellor, social worker, public health nurse, administrator, teacher, friend, neighbour, or family doctor at this time. Please reach out when you need help, guidance, or for someone to be there to simply listen.”
The following is a list resources that are available:
– Walpole Island Health Centre – Call the Walpole Island Health Centre at 519-627-0765 and ask to speak with the Community Mental Health Worker Darryl Blackbird, who specializes in grief counselling.
– Chatham-Kent Health Centre (Walpole Island) – Clients of the Chatham-Kent Health Centre can contact 519-397-5455, Press 3 for Walpole Island, and set up an appointment with your primary care provider, who can help with a referral to a counsellor.
– Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports – www.linck.org & 519-352-0440
– Humana Community Services – https://www.humanacs.org/ & 519-354-4095
– C-K Children’s – 519-352-0440
– C-K Victim Services – 519-436-6630
– Canadian Mental Health in Chatham-Kent – 519-436-6100
– WAYS 24 hr. Crisis Line – 519-354-4095
– Access Open Minds – 519-437-6329 ext. 6010
– St. Clair and Youth Services – 519-337-3701
– Sarnia-Lambton Victim Services – 519-344-8861
– Canadian Mental Health in Sarnia- 519-337-5411
– Sarnia Distress Line – 519-336-3000
– Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (Available 24/7 for youth support)
– Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (Available 24/7 for crisis support)
– Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 (For Indigenous Peoples, available 24/7)
– Canadian Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
– Ontario Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
“You are not alone, and your feelings are valid. If the distress feels overwhelming, please consider reaching out to someone you trust or a mental health professional,” Walpole Island officials added.
Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig on Walpole Island will also be closed until further notice following the incident.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of a tragic accident that occurred last night,” stated Craig Lindsay, principal at the school, on social media.
“This has deeply affected our staff and students. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the students, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking news.”
Lindsay added: “In light of this tragedy, BK School will be closed until further notice to allow our community the space to grieve and begin to process this immense loss. We are currently assembling a crisis response team to provide support for all students and staff during this difficult time. We understand that this news is deeply upsetting, and we are committed to keeping you informed as more information becomes available. In the meantime, let us hold each other in compassion and strength.”
We’ll provide more details as they become available.
