Heather Wright/The Herald

A Dresden Kings Number 10 jersey is wrapped around the leg of the Ken Houston statue. At its feet, pucks, flowers and hand written notes all bearing the number of Decker Beatty.

The 12 year-old known for his kind heart and being a role model died after being injured in a July 3 ATV accident. July 6, family, friends, the sporting community and his classmates poured into the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre to say goodbye to the young man who had been hailed as a “humble…natural born leader.”

Chatham-Kent Police, Dresden firefighters and paramedics were called to a Dresden property just after 8 pm July 3 after three boys crashed.

One was “injured and not responsive.” Police say officers on the scene, Kyle Merrit and Joel Rehill, immediately initiated life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. The boy was taken to hospital and later airlifted to London Health Science Centre.

The boy, identified by family as Decker Beatty, died of his injuries.

In his obituary, the family wrote, “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.”

Decker loved hockey and recently had been named to the roster of the Lambton Jr. Sting AAA Under 13 team. “A great hockey player and wonderful person gone far too soon but never forgotten,” wrote the organization offering support to family, friends and teammates struggling right now. It was a sentiment echoed by other organizations, including the Chatham-Kent Girls’ Hockey Association.

“Decker brought joy, energy, and sportsmanship to the ice and to everyone who knew him. To Decker’s family, teammates, and friends — please know that you are not alone. The entire hockey community stands with you in this time of sorrow. We share in your grief and send our deepest condolences and unwavering support.”

Colin Roeszler, a trainer at Athletes Fuel in Chatham who had worked with the young man added: “He was the best youth player I have in my program, and he was going to be a staple and leader of my program as he grew older.

“He stood exactly for what I want in athletes that train here. He was a humble, high character kid with an exceptional work ethic; a work ethic that I rarely see – from anyone, let alone an adolescent. He was so conscientious and focused in his preparation. 

“He was a natural-born leader, and he was comfortable being that leader. Kids gravitated towards him and respected him for what he was.”

Decker’s parents, Jamie and Michelle, also invited his classmates to be involved in the ceremony. Many brought small tributes which were left at the foot of the Ken Houston statue. There were also multiple teams at the funeral sporting jerseys.

Jamie Beatty paid tribute to his son but also inspired those at the funeral to live fully with intention as his son had and to always be humble and kind. He also spoke of the importance of the community which surrounded them.

Decker leaves behind his parents, Jamie and Michelle, siblings Berkeley and Blake, and his grandparents Jeff and Jackie Beatty and Cathy and the late Tim McFadden.