Tragic Accident at Montreal Park Fair Claims Young Life

A 3-year-old girl named Ava Ciampini was killed when a bounce house she was playing in was lifted approximately 12 feet into the air and thrown by powerful winds during a sudden thunderstorm at a fair in Montreal’s Ouellette Park.

The incident occurred on May 31, 2026. Ava suffered critical injuries and later died at the hospital, according to Quebec’s Coroner’s Office. Montreal police are investigating the tragedy.

Ava’s father, Luca Ciampini, expressed profound grief in an interview, saying, “We’re heartbroken … it still doesn’t feel real. We’re waiting for her to come back.”

Family and friends described Ava as an intelligent, joyful little girl who loved making people laugh. She was especially close to her younger brother, often comforting him by hugging him, singing songs, and making him smile when he cried.

The windstorm brought gusts of 40 to 50 mph along with hail, turning the park into what witnesses described as a “war zone.” Chairs and tables were sent flying as the inflatable structure was violently lifted. One witness estimated it reached as high as 40 feet in the air before crashing.

Eleven people were injured in the incident. LaSalle Borough Mayor Nancy Blanchet stated that the entire community is “deeply shaken” by the accident and emphasized that public safety, especially for children, remains a top priority.

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada offered her condolences on social media, saying her thoughts are with Ava’s family and the grieving community.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the Ciampini family during this devastating time.