Victoria Baertsoen, 24, Matthew Cousins, 24, and Shae-Lynn Bachus, 23, all of Wallaceburg, were killed in a tragic crash over the Victroia Day weekend 2023. (Photos obtained via Cavanagh Funeral Home)Victoria Baertsoen, 24, Matthew Cousins, 24, and Shae-Lynn Bachus, 23, all of Wallaceburg, were killed in a tragic crash over the Victroia Day weekend 2023. (Photos obtained via Cavanagh Funeral Home)
Chatham

Funeral arrangements made for the three Wallaceburg crash victims

Funeral arrangements have been made for the three young lives taken in a devastating crash that rocked the town of Wallaceburg last weekend.

Victoria Baertsoen, 24, Matthew Cousins, 24, and Shae-Lynn Bachus, 23, all of Wallaceburg, were killed in a crash involving a tractor-trailer on McNaughton Avenue last Sunday night just before 10 p.m.

Two other occupants in the vehicle, Mackenzie Vandroffelaar, 25, from Dover Township, and Selena Bushey, 22, from Wallaceburg were both injured in the crash. However, both are reportedly in stable condition. The driver of the tractor trailer was also hurt, but their injuries were deemed non-life threatening.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Cavanagh Funeral Home published the obituaries of the three young adults who died in the tragic crash.

According to her obituary, Baertsoen will be remembered for her kindness, empathy, and love she had for her community. The family of the teacher and childcare worker called her life "short but noble."

"[Victoria] was known to have a smile that could light up every room, a contagious laugh, and the biggest heart you could ever imagine," read a line from Baertsoen's obit.

Cousins, an "avid sports enthusiast" is being remembered as someone who was always "down for a good time."

"[Matthew] was an easygoing, carefree, thoughtful guy that would have done anything for his friends and family," Cousins' obit read.

In Bachus' obituary, her family called her a "shining star." She will be remembered by many friends and family, including her two cherished dogs and partner.

Visitation service for all three is being held at Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home in Wallaceburg on Thursday beginning at varying times, with some crossover. Funeral arrangements for the three also vary, with some family members requesting the service be private.

The full obituaries can be read on www.cavanaghfuneralhome.ca.

A pair of local churches are also opening their doors to give mourners a place to pray and gather together.

Our Lady Help of Christians Parish at 422 Elgin Street in Wallaceburg will be opening its doors on Thursday, May 25 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. so that people can have a quiet place to pray and there will also be a Service of Mourning at Wallaceburg Christian Reformed Church next week Thursday, June 1 at 7 p.m.

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