Strathroy teens killed in rollover remembered for being 'full of life'
Lola Fentie, 16, and Aleah Van Erp, 17, died on Dec. 22, 2022
Two teens from Strathroy, Ont., who were killed in a rollover crash last week are being remembered for being "tough, feisty and fun-loving," along with having a love for animals.
Lola Fentie, 16, and Aleah Van Erp, 17, died in a single-vehicle rollover in Middlesex Centre on Dec. 22.
Middlesex OPP say the vehicle left the roadway at about 10:30 a.m. on Amiens Road, just south of Melrose Drive Centre, near Komoka. Police also said two others were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, and a fifth person suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Fentie died a week before her 17th birthday and was in her graduating year at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute, planning to pursue a career in nursing.
"Lola was a hard-working young lady who could accomplish anything she set her mind to," said her cousin Trish Rice, who set up a GoFundMe campaign for the family. "She was accepted to every college nursing program she applied to and would have helped many people as an amazing nurse."
Rice said Fentie's love for her family and friends was endless, and she also had a number of pets.
The online fundraiser had received more than $20,000 at the time of publication.
"Lola has a tough, feisty and fun-loving personality. Her smile could light up an entire room," read Fentie's obituary. "She loved being around her friends and was always happiest when surrounded by the people who meant the most to her."
Van Erp is being remembered for her love of animals. According to her obituary, she planned to become a veterinarian.
"Aleah was full of life. She had a huge heart for animals, caring for and being around them was her true passion," read her obituary. "She loved to be outdoors and explore all things nature. She loved wildflowers, trees and walking amongst the green grass and blue sky. The beach was her happy place."
Van Erp is also being remembered for being an active teen.
"You could always find Aleah dancing in the kitchen, doing cartwheels in the grass, or showing off her endless flexibility."
A visitation was held for Van Erp on Wednesday afternoon, with her funeral taking place at 6 p.m. at Denning's of Stratroy.
Fentie's visitation will take place on Friday at Denning's from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Her funeral will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m.