A Blenheim teen killed in a crash last week is being remembered for her love of life, generosity and community spirit.
A Blenheim teen killed in a crash last week is being remembered for her love of life, generosity and community spirit.
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Jaimie Bonnell, 17, died Thursday in the single-vehicle collision, which sent three other teens to hospital with injuries said to be not life-threatening.
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According to an obituary, the Blenheim District secondary schooler was completing a co-op placement at Harwich Raleigh elementary school, because she was aiming for a career as a child and youth worker.
“She loved children, and they loved her,” the obituary said. “She had a kind and caring personality who was willing to drop whatever she was doing to help someone. . . in need.
“She was an amazing athlete who enjoyed many sports and was proud to be the sole survivor with her dad in the 2023 Blenheim Youth Center Survivor Challenge.”
In her free time, she worked at the Tim Hortons in Blenheim, the obituary said, noting her “great smile and easygoing personality will be missed by her co-workers and regular coffee groups who visit every day.”
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Tributes poured in over the weekend for Jaimie, as numerous loved ones and family acquaintances offered their sympathies.
Her father, Dave Bonnell, said in a public social media post the family have heavy hearts as they “say goodbye to our baby girl.”
He thanked everyone in the community for their support.
“She is our angel now, she is soaring high above us and keeping an eye on us now,” he said.
“You just never know how one person can touch so many hearts until something like this happens. . . Please hug your children a little tighter tonight and every night!”
The Blenheim Youth Center said the community has “suffered a great loss,” adding Jaimie and her family have been a huge part of organization.
“Rest in peace, sweet Jaimie,” the center said. “If any youth need support during this time, please reach out and we will connect you.”
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Anthony Ceccacci, a Chatham-Kent councilor for South Kent, said he coached Jaimie years ago.
He said she came out of her shell and was a kid he’ll always remember.
“She was a beautiful (soul) and once she recognized her ability, was like a whole new person. It was so awesome to see her continue and excel in so many different sports over the years,” he said in a social media post.
“Jaimie was always so respectful and grateful and always wanted to learn. Little did she know she was the one who was doing the teaching. From that year forward, she always would say hello and we would chat. She was such a great person in the community, always thinking of others.”
Ceccacci added that being in a small community has “so many benefits and one of those benefits was so many people had the opportunity to know and meet Jaimie and are better people for it.”
The Chatham-Kent police traffic unit is continuing to investigate the rollover crash, which occurred at 9:46 pn Thursday at 9:46 pm on Allison Line, between Charing Cross Road and Erieau Road.
Anyone with information should contact Const. Kristen Charron at [email protected] or 519-355-1092.
Funeral service was held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home Monday afternoon.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation is asked to consider the Blenheim Youth Centre.
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