‘Tragic accident': New Brunswick town ‘heartbroken' after child dies at race track
A fatality at a horse raceway in Woodstock, N.B. Saturday is under investigation.
A small New Brunswick town is mourning the loss of a young child who died at a harness racing event on Saturday and is organizing crisis support services for the community.
'The Town of Woodstock is heartbroken following the tragic accident on June 14th during the opening day of harness racing at Connell Park Raceway that resulted in the loss of life of a young child in attendance,' said the town in a Facebook post Monday morning.
'Crisis support services for the community impacted by this tragedy are being organized through provincial crisis intervention healthcare providers.'
The town says it will release more details on its website and social media channels as they become available.
Child's death under investigation
Police and the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC) are both investigating the incident at the Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock, located roughly 100 kilometres west of Fredericton.
Few details have been released, but the APHRC says the child died after they were struck by the starting gate during a live race at the track.
'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating loss,' said the APHRC in a statement.
'This is an unimaginable tragedy that has deeply impacted the harness racing community.'
The commission says it is cooperating with police as they investigate the child's death and is also conducting its own internal review to 'examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to assess any measures that can be taken to prevent anything like this from happening again.'
The APHRC, which is responsible for governing, regulating and supervising harness racing in the Atlantic provinces, says it's also in communication with Horse Racing New Brunswick.
The president of Horse Racing New Brunswick, Dr. Mitchell Downey, did not elaborate on the incident but said the organization is cooperating with police, the coroner's office and the APHRC in the investigation.
'The entire racing community is deeply saddened by the tragic events of June 14,' Downey said in an email to CTV News.
The Woodstock Police Force confirmed in a Facebook post Saturday night that it is investigating a 'tragic incident that resulted in a fatality' at the Woodstock Raceway.
'We are in the early stages of the investigation, but at this time, it appears to be a tragic accident. In order to ensure a thorough investigation, the track will be closed until it is completed,' said Chief Mark Bennett in the post.
'Please bear with us, as we work through this difficult time. When more information becomes available, we will share what we can.'
Police also shared the town's Facebook post Monday morning, urging people who are struggling with the news to seek help.
'The impact of this weekend's tragedy at Connell Park Raceway can be overwhelming,' said the Woodstock Police Force.
'The death of any member of a small community has a profound and lasting impact, but when it is a young child, widespread grief, fear and vulnerability are natural responses. Please do not hesitate to reach out.'
Donations for the family
Meanwhile, the Connell Park Raceway says the Woodstock Driving Club is accepting donations to help support the child's family with expenses.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
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