A 13-year-old boy has died after he was attacked by three “large-breed dogs” while he was riding his bicycle near his home on Saturday in rural southwestern Nova Scotia.
Drew Nickerson, sandy-haired with dimples, was known for his kindness, according to his family. He had been riding his bike on Upper Sandy Cove Road in the community of Welshtown, about 15 minutes from the fishing town of Shelburne, in the late afternoon when the incident occurred. Drew was airlifted to Halifax with life-threatening injuries and died in hospital.
Relative Shawna Nickerson provided a statement to The Globe and Mail, describing the boy’s gentle and compassionate personality. She asked for the community’s support during the difficult days ahead for his family.
“We have lost the kindest young soul,” Ms. Nickerson wrote in a message. “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.”
Drew attended nearby Shelburne Regional High School. Tri-County Regional Centre for Education regional executive director Jared Purdy wrote in a statement Tuesday that “we are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a Grade 8 student at Shelburne Regional High School.”
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends, and all those affected. A loss such as this is felt widely, and we recognize the impact it has across our schools and broader communities,” he wrote.
Mr. Purdy added that additional supports, including psychologists and counsellors, were available at the high school and neighbouring schools on Tuesday and over the coming days.
RCMP said the dogs involved in the incident have been euthanized by a veterinarian.
Spokesperson Allison Gerrard said no charges have been laid and the investigation is continuing.
“At this time, we don’t have any additional information to provide, including the elements of the investigation,” she wrote in an e-mail.
In 2024, the Edmonton Police Service charged a woman with criminal negligence causing death after a dog killed 11-year-old Kache Grist of Osoyoos, B.C., at a home in south Edmonton.
Upon hearing of Drew’s death, local scallop fisherman Conway Hutt launched a fundraiser challenging local businesses and fishermen to match a donation to support the Nickerson family. Within hours on Tuesday, the community had pledged thousands of dollars. Donations for a raffle also poured in, ranging from 10 pounds of scallops and lobster, gift cards, car detailing services and a hand-crocheted throw, among other gifts.
“You always want to help when you see something like this happen,” said Mr. Hutt, adding that he’s touched by the amount of support already.
Drew’s maternal grandmother, Natalie Schnare, also released a statement on behalf of the family and her daughter, Dawn, saying the boy’s paternal grandparents would be covering his funeral expenses, and thanking the community for their “unbelievable” support and for starting fundraisers.
“On behalf of Dawn and our entire family, I would like to thank each and every one of you for the overwhelming support we are receiving,” wrote Ms. Schnare in a Facebook post.
“We love our community, you are the best.”
