Organizations, individuals accepting donations after three-year-old struck by starting gate
Donations have started flowing for the family of a three-year-old who was killed after being struck by the starting gate at Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock on Saturday, June 14.
The harness racing community is now banding together to support the family of young Gunnar Dickison.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events of today,” said Harness Racing New Brunswick President Dr. Mitchell Downey when reached by the River Valley Sun.
“We want to extend our deepest sympaties to the family. This impacts everyone – the family, participants, bystanders. We ask that everyone keep this family in their thoughts and prayers.”
Dr. Downey said Harness Racing New Brunswick is cooperating with police, the coroner’s office, and their governing body, the Atlantic Provinces Racing Commission, which are all investigating.
This type of accident is rare. Dr. Downey believes this is only the third time in North America someone has died from being struck by the starting gate.
“We are still in shock. The little boy was the nephew of one of our members. It’s so sad,” he said.
The Woodstock Driving Club and individuals within the harness racing community have started collecting donations for the family to help them with expenses.
“If you’re able to donate, it would be deeply appreciated,” said a post on the Connell Park Raceway Facebook page. “If not, simply sharing this post to help spread the word means just as much.”
The Driving Club is accepting donations via e-transfer at woodstockdrivingclub@gmail.com. They ask that those making donations include the word ‘Gunnar’ in the subject line.
Other members of the close-knit harness racing community are also accepting donations for the family.
On Sunday, June 15, Christina Wright-Robertson and Kaitlyn Wesley shared a social media post encouraging people to support the family.
“Kaitlyn & I wanted to do something, and have decided to take up a collection to forward to the family directly to help ease the financial burden of this unexpected tragedy.”
They will accept donations for the family until late evening on Tuesday, June 17. So far, the pair has collected over $3,000.
If you want to contribute to their fundraiser, you can e-transfer to shanechristina13@yahoo.ca and include Gunnar in the memo. They added that those in the U.S. who wish to contribute can send their funds via PayPal to the same address.
On Saturday, the Woodstock Police Force received a call for a medical emergency at the raceway at 1:20 p.m. Deputy Chief Simon Watts said his department is investigating.
“At the moment, this looks like a tragic accident, but we are in the early stages of our investigation and continue to look into the incident. There will likely be an autopsy,” he said.
Deputy Chief Watts added that the people who came to the little boy’s aid need to be acknowledged.
“Bystanders immediately tried to help him. People stepped up to assist, including some first responders who were in the stands. They need to be commended for their actions,” he said.
On Monday, June 16, the Town of Woodstock posted a list of mental health supports on their social media sites.
“Crisis support services for the community impacted by this tragedy are being organized through provincial crisis intervention healthcare providers,” the post said.
“If you need support now, anyone can call Community Addictions and Mental Health and schedule a session with a clinician or the New Brunswick helpline for crisis services at 1-866-355-5550.”
For anyone in mental distress, you can access help through local mental health offices:
Woodstock Office – 1-506-325-4419
Perth-Andover Office – 1-506-273-4701
Child and Youth Office – 1-506-325-4475
