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Service of mourning planned for victims of tragic Wallaceburg crash

  1. News[1]
  2. Local News[2]

The funerals have been held for three young Wallaceburg residents who lost their lives in a tragic crash, but there still is an opportunity for the community to support each other as they continue to grieve.

Service of mourning Victoria Baertsoen, left, Matt Cousins and Shae-Lynn Bachus (Obituary photos)

The funerals have been held for three young Wallaceburg residents who lost their lives in a tragic crash, but there still is an opportunity for the community to support each other as they continue to grieve.

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Matt Cousins, 24, Victoria Baertsoen, 24, and Shae-Lynn Bachus, 23, were killed when their vehicle collided with a tanker truck about 10 p.m. May 21 in Wallaceburg. Two other passengers, Selena Bushey, 22, and Mackenzie Vandroffelaar, 25, were injured.

The Wallaceburg Ministerial Association is organizing a service of mourning Thursday at the Wallaceburg Christian Reformed Church, beginning at 7 p.m.

“We felt a need to do something,” said Tim Leferink, pastor of the Wallaceburg Christian Formed Church. “The community is in mourning.”

The pastor recalled speaking to a local resident who did not have an affiliation with the victims, but stated, “’I just felt lousy all week.’

“I concur with that,” Leferink said. “And I think so many people are feeling lousy this week.”

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He said the service is an opportunity for those who may have not felt quite up to going to the funerals or visitations to take part in something.

“Mourning is a complicated process. Nobody wants to go through it, but we all need to go through it in order to deal with the emotional baggage that comes along with a loss like this,” Leferink said.

He said a public service of mourning is rare, but does date back to the First Testament of the bible.

“The community came together and they mourned and they called out to God,” he said.

Leferink believes this is what people need when this type tragedy happens is “to get back to basics and talk to God.”

Four or five pastors will participate in the service that will include bible readings followed by short reflections on them, some prayer and songs.

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Leferink is not sure how many people will attend, but said a full house is expected. He said the doors will open at 6:15 p.m. The church is located at 150 Bruinsma Ave.

Those looking for support also can contact Chatham-Kent Victim Services at 519-436-6630 or by email at [email protected].

Police previously reported the crash happened when a car travelling on Wallace Street entered McNaughton Avenue and collided with a northbound tanker truck. The tanker driver suffered minor injuries.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Chatham-Kent police Const. Josh Flikweert at [email protected] or 519-355-1092.[3]

[email protected][4]

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    References

    1. ^ News (www.woodstocksentinelreview.com)
    2. ^ Local News (www.woodstocksentinelreview.com)
    3. ^ [email protected] (www.woodstocksentinelreview.com)
    4. ^ [email protected] (www.woodstocksentinelreview.com)
    5. ^ Community Guidelines (www.woodstocksentinelreview.com)
    6. ^ email settings (www.woodstocksentinelreview.com)

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