In the tragic incident near Shelburne, N.S., Nova Scotia RCMP reported that a 13-year-old boy, Drew Nickerson, was fatally attacked by three large-breed dogs – a Rottweiler and two Cane Corsos. The boy, who was riding his bike near his home on Upper Sandy Cove Road in Welshtown, was rushed to a Halifax hospital by LifeFlight helicopter but succumbed to his injuries on Monday.
Staff Sgt. Mark MacPherson stated that the dogs ran onto the road while Nickerson was cycling, and video footage of the attack was obtained from a nearby residence. The dogs were off their owner’s property during the incident, and one of the dog owners took the boy to the hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
RCMP mentioned that there were no prior complaints about the dogs, and the investigation is ongoing to understand the circumstances leading to the attack. The dog owners cooperated with the authorities, and the dogs were euthanized by a veterinarian.
The community of Shelburne County, with a population of around 13,000, is mourning the loss of the young victim who was a student at Shelburne Regional High School. In response to the tragedy, fisherman Conway Hutt initiated a fundraising raffle to support the Nickerson family, which garnered significant contributions from the community.
An online campaign raised nearly $50,000 for Drew’s mother, with hundreds of donors expressing their condolences. The family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and announced that the boy’s grandparents will cover the funeral expenses. Drew’s soccer team, Southwest Blast FC, remembered him for his love of the sport and his positive impact on those around him.