The hockey community in Chatham-Kent and beyond is mourning the loss of a young hockey player with so much promise.
CK News Today has learned Decker Beatty, 12, of Dresden died on Sunday after an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) crash in the municipality.
On Monday, police said the crash involving three youths happened on Thursday at approximately 8:11 p.m. on private property in Chatham-Kent.
Police said a youth was found injured and unresponsive, was taken to Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, and was later airlifted to London Health Sciences Centre in life threatening condition after life saving measures were performed.
"Despite the best efforts of first responders and medical personnel, the youth tragically succumbed to their injuries," said CK police. "The Chatham-Kent Police Service extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and the loved ones affected by this tragic incident."
The outpouring of grief and emotion was swift.
Dresden Minor Hockey said it has lost a great teammate.
"Decker was a wonderful young Jr. King. Not only a terrific hockey player, he was a great teammate and brother," said Dresden Minor Hockey President Ian Avery. "We will miss him dearly. The sports communities of Dresden, Thamesville and Bothwell are reeling. Decker was the best."
Decker's school, the Dresden Area Central School, also shared its sorrow.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of one of our own Eagles, Decker Beatty. Decker was an exceptional student, a dedicated teammate, and a kind and caring friend. His bright spirit touched the lives of many, and his absence will be deeply felt across our school and community," said school officials on social media. "On behalf of the entire Dresden Area Central School family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Decker’s family, friends, and all those impacted by this unimaginable loss."
The Chatham-Kent Cyclones shared their deepest condolences too.
"We mourn the heartbreaking loss of Decker Beatty — a talented young hockey player from Dresden, taken far too soon," said a social media post from the Chatham-Kent Cyclones. "Decker was the same age as many of our own players, and this loss hits incredibly close to home. He wasn’t just a name on the ice — he was a teammate, a friend, a competitor, a kid with dreams, heart, and a bright future ahead. The rink feels a little quieter today, and our hearts are heavy with sorrow for his family, teammates, and the entire Dresden hockey community. In times like these, we’re reminded that hockey is more than a game — it’s a family. And when one of us hurts, we all do."
The South Kent Minor Hockey Association also said their thoughts and prayers are with the Beatty family.
"We are thinking of you Jamie, Michelle, families, friends, teammates and everyone that was touched by this tragedy," they noted.
The Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) said their hearts are with the family, loved ones, and the Dresden Minor Hockey Association community.
"WMHA sends our deepest prayers to everyone impacted by this tragedy, and most importantly to Decker’s family, friends and teammates as they navigate this unimaginable time. We stand with you," said WMHA.
The Kent Minor Hockey Association and the Point Edward Minor Athletic Association echoed the heartfelt emotions.
In Decker's obituary, his family said they are heartbroken over the devastating loss.
"His greatest joy was the togetherness of his beloved family. He poured his absolute best into everything he did, and admired the same dedication from others," read the obituary.
Decker leaves behind a big family, including a father, a mother, a sister, a brother, and grandparents.
"He will also leave a legacy of love and camaraderie amongst his closest friends and teammates, of which there are just too many to name," the obituary said.
Decker's grandmother Jackie Van Eerd Beatty posted on social media that the family's world has been shattered.
"He was our bright light, our sweet, beautiful boy. You amazed us every day with your talents and work ethic, but it was the humble, kind, quiet, yet adventurous way you approached life that made everyone want to be around you," she said, adding that Decker was a leader, brightened the room, and had greatness in him.
The family also thanks Chatham-Kent EMS, the volunteer firefighters from Dresden’s Chatham-Kent Fire Station 6, the Chatham-Kent Police Service, specifically Kyle Merritt and Joel Rehill, ER staff at the CKHA, Ornge Air Ambulance, Ronald McDonald House in London, and London Health Sciences Centre for everything they did on Thursday night and the days that followed.
"They all gave their very best to Decker and family. He would have praised their efforts. Lastly we would like to thank the Badder Funeral Home for bringing our son home," read the obit.
A celebration of life will be held at the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre at 1212 North Street in Dresden on Wednesday.
The funeral home said a walk through will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the celebration will start at 3 p.m.
A private family burial will take place at Blackburn Cemetery in Dresden. Friends are welcome to mingle after the celebration, but the family will not be returning, said the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations by cheque can be made to the Dresden Minor Hockey Association (c/o P.O. Box 339, Dresden ON N0P 1M0), Dresden Area Central School (Athletics), or Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario.