Hundreds of mourners gathered Tuesday evening in LaSalle to remember Ava Ciampini, the three-year-old girl who tragically died after a bouncy castle was swept into the air by strong winds.
The memorial for Ava was held at 7 p.m. at Ouellette Park, but residents began arriving as early as 6:15 p.m.
By the time the ceremony started, the crowd had swelled to several hundred — families with young children, neighbours and members of the LaSalle community, along with local law enforcement and fire service officers. All gathered around a growing memorial of flowers, teddy bears and candles remembering Ava.
A Montreal firefighter wipes away tears at the memorial for Ava Ciampini on Tuesday. Evan Buhler / Montreal Gazette
Eleven people were injured May 31 when a sudden windstorm — which saw winds of up to 80 km/h — struck the park. Ava was one of those hurt. She died in hospital days later.
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Many attendees, some of whom did not know the family personally, told The Gazette they came because they wanted to show their support.
Shortly after 7 p.m., a moment of silence was observed. Her father, Luca Ciampini, then addressed the crowd, thanking them for coming.
Luca Ciampini (in blue shirt), the father of 3-year-old Ava, visits the public memorial for his daughter at Ouellette Park in Montreal on Tuesday. Evan Buhler / Montreal Gazette
Speaking to The Gazette earlier in the day, Ciampini said he hoped his daughter would be remembered for her kindness and the joy she brought to others. He described her as a happy, intelligent little girl who loved making people laugh and adored her younger brother.
“She was here for such a short time, but people remember her forever that crossed her path,” Ciampini said.
A fundraiser for the family has raised more than $470,000 in a week.
The family said it is donating Ava’s organs.
The memorial for Ava Ciampini, 3, who died after the bouncy castle she was in was swept up by high winds during a church-organized outing in Ouellette Park. Evan Buhler / Montreal Gazette