A Clinton, Ont., couple whose newborn died in a recent car accident are pleading for the return of their son’s keepsakes, which were stolen a week after the crash.

The newborn died after a two-vehicle collision on Sept. 14 in Wingham, Ont., about 110 kilometres north of London.

His mother, Marsha Benninger, survived the accident, but was seriously injured and remains in critical condition at London Health Sciences Centre.

Following the accident, Benninger’s husband parked the family car in the parking lot of a London hotel called Wellington Road Hotel.

Sometime between Sunday Sept. 21, at 8 p.m. and Monday Sept. 22, at 8 a.m., the car was broken into and a number of items were stolen.

One item in particular -- an oak box -- holds tremendous sentimental value, as it contained:

• A lock of the deceased boy’s dark-coloured hair;

• Full clay moldings of the baby’s feet;

• A yellow knit hat;

• A CD with baby photos;

• A card with the baby’s name and date of his death on it;

• A brown and white baby sleeper

• The oak box is approximately 16 inches by 12 inches, is covered with clear varnish and has distinct dovetail corners.

“It’s totally senseless. We can’t wrap our minds around it,” said Pauline Benninger, the boy’s grandmother.

“It’s the worst thing we’ve ever had to go through,” said Benninger. “If (whoever took it) could just drop the box off any place and let the police know where it is, they’ll get it to us. No questions asked.”

“It is devastating to (my daughter Marsha) and to all of us. We just want the keepsakes back. It’ll be closure for Marsha and she can get that closure just by touching the stuff,” Benninger said, her voice faltering.

“Life will go on for all of us. I know it’s going to take time. It’s hard. People are so mean. I know there are good people out there too and hopefully, it’ll be a good person who finds this box and turns it in,” she said.

London Police Const. Ken Steeves said the oak box is “priceless” for the family.

The box is approximately 16 inches by 12 inches. It is covered with clear varnish and has distinct dovetail corners.

London police are asking anyone who finds the box or any of its contents to turn them in, or to call London Police Service at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

-With files from CTV London’s Nick Paparella