‘A nightmare:’ Canadian family loses 2 daughters in fatal crash in Clay County

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A Canadian family that lost two of its members in a fatal crash in Clay County on Saturday was traveling home from vacation.

According to a Go Fund Me, the family was on vacation in Florida. In one day, the account has raised more than $340,000.

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The family’s father is Pieter Kort, a well-known criminal defense attorney from Belleville, Ontario.

Kort’s partner, Ed Kafka, posted on Facebook that the family lost daughters Madeline, 13, and Joni, 10, in the crash. Kafka said daughter Hannah, 16, and mom Jamie, are in critical condition in the ICU. Pieter and his son Ethan, 15, are recovering from serious injuries.

Kafka said the crash is a “horrific tragedy” that is “a nightmare that no family should ever experience.”

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A family friend, Mickey Delaney, told Action News Jax that the family is a pillar in the community and always willing to help anyone.

Delaney is a boxing coach at Bulldog Boxing Academy and met Pieter when he joined seven years ago.

“Piet was always first in the door to help out the club when we needed it. He kept the lights on at times when they were going to be shut off. He put hands in his own pockets,” Delaney said. “Just an incredible family. You couldn’t meet nicer, well-mannered children. It’s just so sad.”

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Belleville is a small town of just about 50,000 people in Canada. The community is helping out in a big way.

Delaney also helped organize a running race to help fundraise additional funds. He’s already raised $20,000 to help the family with medical and funeral expenses.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash is still under investigation and no charges have been filed.

Action News Jax will continue to monitor the story and update you as events unfold.

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