Hearts go out to local family

August 17, 2015 · 0 Comments

A day of festivities turned tragic with the passing of a 12-year-old girl at the 65th Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship’s parade on Saturday, August 8.
Twelve-year-old Natasha Paterson succumbed to her injuries after her beloved horse, Toby, reared up and both she and the horse fell. The accident happened just before 1 p.m., at the staging area of the Fiddleville parade where all participants were just getting ready to commence with the festivities.
Shelburne Police reported that Emergency Workers from Dufferin and Shelburne were on hand at the staging area and were able to tend to Natasha very quickly. She was then airlifted to Headwaters Hospital in Orangeville. The parade was cancelled by organizers following the incident.
In a conversation with the Free Press, Natasha’s mother, Teresa, said, “we are not sure what frightened her horse”. She went on to tell us, “Natasha was a horse lover and this was not her first time being a part of the annual parade. Natasha loved all animals and had a passion for horses and often rode the local trails.”
Teresa also told us that Natasha was a student in the gifted child program at Spencer Avenue School in Orangeville. She loved reading and last year spent all her Christmas money on books.
“Natasha’s dream was to become a lawyer and to own a farm full of animals,” her mother said. “Natasha was a popular girl with lots of friends,” she added.
Natasha’s father, Duncan, told the Free Press, “Natasha was a very special young lady who touched everyone she met. She was a role model for younger kids and was amazing with them.”
One of her teachers even called the house since the accident to tell us what a wonderful student Natasha was and how she was always willing to help other children in the class and that she will be missed.
In a small town, an accident such as Natasha’s hits home a little harder, and makes us all more aware of how precious life is. It is hard to move forward after such an immensely sad event.
The memorial set up at the location of the accident has been a place for people to visit and think about this fine young girl who was taken from her family and community in such a tragic and unforeseen way. Many have been moved to tears at Natasha’s loss, even without having known her, as I was during my own visit.
The staff at the Shelburne Free Press join with the community in expressing our deepest condolences to the Paterson’s on the loss of Natasha, and to all those affected by her loss.

By Michelle Austen