LASALLE — A community is in mourning following the death of three-year-old Ava Ciampini, who passed away after sustaining critical injuries during a sudden windstorm at a church-organized festival in Ouellette Park on May 31, 2026.
The young girl was one of 11 people injured when the high winds swept through the park, tossing several inflatable play structures into the air. The Quebec coroner’s office confirmed the child’s death on Tuesday, though they have not yet finalized the formal details surrounding the incident.
Ava Ciampini was identified through a GoFundMe campaign established by family friend and business partner Stefano Giliati. Mr. Giliati, who co-runs the GR8 Athletics youth hockey facility in LaSalle with the girl’s father, Luca Ciampini, described the child as “the light of every room she walked into.” The fundraiser, intended to assist the family with funeral and memorial costs, has garnered significant public support, raising more than $360,000 by late Wednesday afternoon.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief from local leadership. Premier Christine Fréchette and Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada both extended their condolences, acknowledging the profound impact of the loss on the family and the broader community. Rev. Mussie Zerai Yosief, pastor of the Missione Madre Dei Cristiani, expressed the church’s shared sorrow, noting that the community is praying for the family during this time of grief.
Safety Concerns and Regulatory Scrutiny
The fatal incident in LaSalle has reignited a global conversation regarding the safety and regulation of inflatable play structures. Similar tragedies have occurred internationally, including incidents in Australia, the U.K., and elsewhere, where bouncy castles were caught by unexpected winds, resulting in fatalities and injuries. These historical precedents often lead to heightened scrutiny of event safety protocols and the structural anchoring of temporary amusement equipment.
The Path Forward
The investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. Jake Lamotta Granato, a spokesperson for the coroner’s office, confirmed that officials are currently working to establish the exact cause of death. As the investigation proceeds, a possible next step could be the launch of a formal public inquiry if the chief coroner determines You’ll see sufficient grounds to do so. Such an inquiry could potentially examine the safety measures that were in place during the festival and whether current standards for operating inflatable structures in public parks require adjustment to account for sudden weather events.
