NEED TO KNOW
- A 13-year-old boy was fatally attacked by three large-breed dogs while riding his bike in Nova Scotia, Canada, on Jan. 3
- While there were no prior complaints about the dogs to police or animal control, the canines have since been euthanized by a veterinarian
- Drew Nickerson “will be remembered for his bright smile, kindness, sense of humor and the light he brought to every space he entered,” said his soccer team, Southwest Blast FC
A Canadian teen is dead after being attacked by three large-breed dogs while riding his bike past the property where they lived.
On Saturday, Jan. 3, Drew Nickerson, a high school student who lived in Welshtown, Nova Scotia, was airlifted to a Halifax hospital having been mauled in the 100 block of Upper Sandy Cove Rd., said Shelburne District RCMP in a news release.
Nickerson, 13, succumbed to his injuries two days after he was viciously attacked by two Cane Corsos and a Rottweiler, according to CBC, Global News and The Globe and Mail.
Staff Sgt. Mark Macpherson, the detachment commander for Shelburne District RCMP, told CBC News that video footage captured from a nearby residence shows the dogs ran out into the road while Nickerson was riding his bike past their owners’ property.
“At this point we’re collecting the facts and trying to understand the circumstances around this attack and why it happened,” Macpherson told the outlet. “Drilling down on exactly how that occurred or what restraint systems were in place, I just can’t comment on that as of yet.”
Huskilson
After the attack, Macpherson said that one of the dog owners drove Nickerson to the hospital “because of what they felt the severity of the injuries were.” He was then airlifted to Halifax with life-threatening injuries and died in the hospital.
While the RCMP noted that there were no prior records or complaints about the dogs to police or animal control, per CBC News, the dogs have been euthanized by a veterinarian.
“We have lost the kindest young soul,” Nickerson’s relative, Shawna Nickerson, said in a statement to The Globe and Mail. “Drew’s love for his family was endless, and his absence will be felt deeply. No words can bring him back, but I ask that prayers, love and strength be sent to his family — especially his mom Dawn, and his father Tyler — as they grieve this unimaginable loss.”
According to a GoFundMe created by a family friend, Trish Harris, to raise money for Nickerson’s mom, Dawn Nickerson, the teenager “shared a passion for horses with his mom, truck racing, 4 wheelers and anything outside.”
Almost $150,000 has been raised of the fundraiser’s $180,000 goal.
Nickerson’s soccer team, Southwest Blast FC, paid tribute in a heartfelt social media post.
“Drew found great joy in soccer and in being part of his teams,” the organization wrote on Facebook. “He will be remembered for the fun he had on the field, the friendships he formed, and the pride he shared with his teammates — including celebrating a U13 Championship, a moment that meant so much to him and those around him.”
“Drew will also be remembered for his bright smile, kindness, sense of humour and the light he brought to every space he entered,” the post continued. “We hope many can find comfort in knowing how deeply he was loved, and we welcome the sharing of fond memories and photos that honour Drew and the joy he brought to so many.”
A celebration of life for Drew will be held at the Shelburne Community Centre Auditorium on Jan. 11, with a burial to follow at a later date, according to his obituary.
“Drew was a kind, loving ‘outdoor kid’ through and through, who enjoyed riding and ramping his bike, spending time at the family cottage in Goose Lake, countless hours at the skate park with his friends, swimming at the lake with all his buddies, and ATV riding,” Drew’s obituary stated. “He had a special love for horses and all animals, especially his loyal dog Zig whom he loved beyond words.”
