Boy, 13, Dies After Being Attacked by 3 ‘Large-Breed’ Dogs While Riding His Bike: ‘We Have Lost the Kindest Young Soul’

A 13-year-old boy in rural Nova Scotia has died after he was attacked by three large dogs while riding his bike along a road near the property where the animals lived.

On Saturday, Jan. 3, Drew Nickerson, a high school student from Welshtown, was airlifted to a hospital in Halifax after being mauled in the 100 block of Upper Sandy Cove Rd., according to a news release from the Shelburne District RCMP.

Nickerson died two days later after the attack, which involved two Cane Corsos and a Rottweiler, according to CBC, Global News and The Globe and Mail.

Staff Sgt. Mark Macpherson, the detachment commander for the Shelburne District RCMP, told CBC News that video from a nearby home appears to show the dogs running into the road as Nickerson rode past their owners’ property.

“At this point we’re collecting the facts and trying to understand the circumstances around this attack and why it happened,” Macpherson told the outlet. “Drilling down on exactly how that occurred or what restraint systems were in place, I just can’t comment on that as of yet.”

After the attack, Macpherson said one of the dog owners drove Nickerson to the hospital because they believed his injuries were severe. He was later airlifted to Halifax with life-threatening injuries and died there.

Police said there were no previous records or complaints about the dogs with law enforcement or animal control, according to CBC News. The dogs were later euthanized by a veterinarian.

A relative, Shawna Nickerson, shared a statement with The Globe and Mail mourning the teen’s death: “We have lost the kindest young soul. 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.”

A GoFundMe created by family friend Trish Harris to support Nickerson’s mother, Dawn Nickerson, describes Drew as someone who “shared a passion for horses with his mom, truck racing, 4 wheelers and anything outside.”

Nearly $150,000 has been raised toward the fundraiser’s $180,000 goal.

Nickerson’s soccer team, Southwest Blast FC, also remembered him in a tribute posted on Facebook.

“Drew found great joy in soccer and in being part of his teams,” the organization wrote. “He will be remembered for the fun he had on the field, the friendships he formed, and the pride he shared with his teammates — including celebrating a U13 Championship, a moment that meant so much to him and those around him.”

The team added that he would be remembered for his “bright smile, kindness, sense of humour and the light he brought to every space he entered,” and invited others to share memories and photos honoring him.

A celebration of life will be held at the Shelburne Community Centre Auditorium on Jan. 11, with burial to take place at a later date, according to his obituary.

“Drew was a kind, loving ‘outdoor kid’ through and through, who enjoyed riding and ramping his bike, spending time at the family cottage in Goose Lake, countless hours at the skate park with his friends, swimming at the lake with all his buddies, and ATV riding,” the obituary said. “He had a special love for horses and all animals, especially his loyal dog Zig whom he loved beyond words.”