Hundreds of residents gathered in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, this past weekend to say a final goodbye to Drew Nickerson, the 13-year-old boy whose life was tragically cut short following a dog attack earlier this month. The celebration of life, held on Sunday, January 11, transformed the local community center into a space of shared remembrance and profound loss.
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While the circumstances of his passing are tragic, those who spoke at the memorial focused on how Drew lived. Described as a “gentle soul” with a deep sense of empathy, Drew was a fixture in his community—whether he was playing soccer for Southwest Blast FC or riding his bicycle through the neighborhood.
The Incident and Response
The tragedy occurred on January 3, when Drew was attacked by three dogs while cycling near Welshtown. Despite a rapid response and an airlift to Halifax via LifeFlight, he passed away on January 5.
The incident has sparked a massive outpouring of support:
- Financial Solidarity: In a display of the region’s “South Shore” spirit, local fishermen and businesses organized raffles and donations, helping a GoFundMe campaign surpass $148,000 to assist the family.
- Symbolic Tributes: During the service, a bicycle stood as a silent tribute to his adventurous spirit, surrounded by photos of his favorite hobbies—from ATVing to spending time on the water.
Looking Forward
As the town begins the long process of healing, the RCMP continues its investigation into how the dogs involved escaped their enclosure. While the dogs have been euthanized and the owners are cooperating, the community’s focus remains firmly on supporting the Nickerson family through their unimaginable loss.
“He wasn’t just a student or a teammate; he was a boy who made our community kinder just by being in it.” — Excerpt from a community tribute.
