A community in southwestern Nova Scotia mourns the loss of a 13-year-old boy who was tragically killed in a dog attack. The community gathered at a local center in Shelburne to honor the memory of Drew Nickerson, who was known for his love of biking and generosity in sharing his lunch money with others.
During the ceremony, attendees sat in rows of folding chairs as flowers and photos of Drew adorned a table at the front of the room. His family, including his two brothers, placed flowers on the table as a tribute. Reverend Shawn Hatfield expressed the profound sorrow felt by the community over Drew’s untimely passing.
The service was attended by a mix of family members, former teachers, classmates, friends, and soccer teammates, who shared fond memories of Drew. Described as kind, empathetic, and endlessly curious, Drew was remembered for his positive impact on those around him.
Stepmother Parise Jeffrey struggled to come to terms with bidding farewell to Drew, emphasizing the surreal nature of the loss. An obituary highlighted Drew’s selfless nature, mentioning how he would go out of his way to provide lunch for other children, even if it meant using his own money or borrowing from others.
Videos and photos shown at the service captured Drew’s joyful moments, from swimming in a lake to riding his ATV and motocross bike. The RCMP confirmed that the dog attack involved two Cane Corsos and a Rottweiler, all of which were euthanized after the incident.
Following the attack on Drew, the community rallied around his family for support. A GoFundMe campaign set up to assist the family exceeded its initial goal, raising close to $150,000 within a week. The outpouring of support extended beyond the local community, with messages of condolences pouring in from across Canada.
Drew’s soccer team, Southwest Blast FC, remembered him for his passion for the sport and the joy he brought to those around him, particularly during an under-13 championship victory. His infectious smile, kindness, sense of humor, and positive presence were highlighted in a tribute post.
The tragic incident occurred as Drew was riding his bike on Upper Sandy Cove Road in Welshtown, leading to his hospitalization in Halifax, where he succumbed to his injuries on January 5. The community continues to mourn the loss of this young life, finding solace in coming together to remember and honor Drew Nickerson.