Almonte mourns 9-year-old remembered as ‘vibrant kid with a big smile'
Pokémon, biking, soccer, animals and family. These were some of the things nine-year-old Archer Lowe loved most in his short life.
Article content
Archer, a student at R. Tait Mackenzie Public School in Almonte, was riding a bicycle when he was struck by a school bus on Paterson Street at about 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday.
Article content
Article content
Police say the collision occurred near another school. Witnesses conducted life-saving measures at the scene. Archer was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced deceased.
Article content
Article content
'He was a vibrant kid with a big smile who loved animals, especially his dog 'Moose,'' said Mississippi Mills Mayor Christa Lowry in a statement. 'He loved riding his bike and was a terrific soccer player – the best and fastest defence in his league.'
Article content
Article content
'Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of young Archer and stand in support of all those who are grieving and to those affected by this accident,' she said. 'Together, we mourn this heartbreaking loss and will be there for all those touched by this tragedy.'
Article content
Article content
Community members have also been pouring support to the Lowe family through social media and donations. A GoFundMe campaign, launched by Almonte resident Michelle Maguire, raised over $76,000 by 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Global News
2 days ago
- Global News
Penticton, B.C. couple attacked on boardwalk, husband left with broken leg
A peaceful bike ride home turned violent for B.C. couple Kieran and Kirsten Adams on the night of July 12. 'I don't know how I'm supposed to have my back to the sidewalk sitting in the sand anymore,' Kieran says. Around 10 p.m., the couple was riding bikes along the Lakeshore boardwalk in Penticton when they were blocked by a group of about 20 people. 'They had loads of beach items lining either side of the pathway — children's wagons, beach toys, just all sorts of stuff like that,' Kirsten said. When Kieran and Kirsten asked the group to move the items because they couldn't get through, what followed wasn't cooperation — it was confrontation. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'When we got to the end of the group, a man got in our face, threatening us and telling us to get out of there. He shoved Kieran,' Kirsten said. Story continues below advertisement As they tried to de-escalate, Kirsten says a woman grabbed her bike's handlebars. Kieran stepped in to protect her — a decision that would land him in a wheelchair. 'Her husband thought (Kieran) was going to attack her, and he came out of the sand and just smoked him from the side. While Kieran was on the ground, about three guys started beating on him and then they stomped on his leg,' Kirsten says. Kieran was left with a broken leg and multiple bumps and bruises. Although Kirsten was uninjured, she says a man in the group shoved her. 'Neither of us had a cellphone and no one would call anyone for us, no matter how much my wife asked,' Kieran said. Eventually, Kieran told Kirsten to go home and get their vehicle to get him home. The couple says the attack happened in front of children. 'Ultimately, I hope none of them saw too much,' Kieran said. They reported the incident to police once they got home. The RCMP is now investigating and searching for witnesses. Kirsten admits the attack has left them with sleepless nights. 'Probably two to five hours of sleep some nights just from stress and the scene running through my head constantly,' she said. Story continues below advertisement A stranger who heard about the attack has started a GoFundMe to help the couple recover.
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
Residents in Almonte, Ont. displaying soccer balls in memory of 9-year-old boy
People in Almonte are putting soccer balls outside homes in memory of Archer Lowe, who was hit by a bus while on his bike. CTV's Dylan Dyson reports. In a town known for its basketball heritage, soccer balls can be seen in every corner of Almonte. The balls have been placed on front steps and in windows is memory of Archer Lowe, a nine-year-old boy with a passion for soccer, who was tragically killed in June while riding his bike home from school. The tribute mirrors the 'sticks out' movement from 2018, following the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Almonte soccer balls Soccer balls on display in the front window of Baker Bob's on Mill Street in Almonte, Ont. in memory of 9-year-old Archer Lowe. July 18, 2025. (Dylan Dyson/CTV News Ottawa) Danielle Spearman owns the Rustic Town Barbershop on Mill Street, Almonte's main drag, and decided to display a ball in her shop's front window, as she doesn't live in the town. 'The community is definitely there for them, and I hope they know that,' says Spearman. She tells CTV News Ottawa that she sympathizes with the Lowe family, having suffered a similar tragedy in her family. 'My niece was killed at the age of nine on her bike as well, but it's a totally different situation than here. So, I've seen what my family went through, and as well, I drove a school bus for 14 years.' The community has been rocked by the accident. Lowe was hit just two days before the school summer break and many people witnessed the incident, as school was letting out for the day. 'It was a devastating day for our community. It still is,' says Sarah O'Grady, at Mill Street Books. 'But it's just one way for us to band together and support each other.' O'Grady says she didn't personally know the Lowe family but is touched by the soccer balls on display and the show of support the entire community has given. 'It's just such a subtle way to show that we care. This community is such a loving, giving community, that it was such an easy thing to do. But it's so impactful.' Shortly after the incident, a soccer club from Smiths Falls donated many soccer balls to the Almonte branch of the Mississippi Mills library. They have been available to the public for free for anyone wanting to display one. As of Friday afternoon, there was just one left available. 'I feel like it's the least I could do,' said Jim Santry, who placed a soccer ball on his front lawn for Archer. 'The whole town was devastated at what happened. Not just the family of the young boy, but also everybody that saw it.' In a tight-knit community such as Almonte, Spearman believes it will be an impact that is felt for some time to come. 'Never have I seen such a supportive town where everyone comes together and tries to be there for the community,' Spearman says.
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Rushing to save swimmers, a former baseball player and police officer loses his life
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — Chase Childers, a former minor league baseball player and ex-police officer, has died after rushing into the ocean to save swimmers in a rip current, according to police in South Carolina and a GoFundMe page for his family. Trying to help a family of five, Childers paid 'the highest sacrifice with his life in front of his three children and wife,' according to the fundraiser. Childers died Sunday, the police department for Pawleys Island, which is south of Myrtle Beach, stated in a post on X. Police said he and another person 'entered the water to help 4 – 5 individuals who were in distress. Sadly, Mr. Childers was caught in the rip current, as well. He died trying to save others.' When the family and the other man came back to shore, police, firefighters and the Coast Guard searched for Childers, WCBD-TV in Charleston reported. His body was recovered about 90 minutes later. WCBD-TV reported that Childers, 38, lived in Dallas with his family, but they were vacationing on Pawleys Island. The island's police chief, Michael Fanning, said he believes Childers' 'first responder instincts kicked in' when he saw the family in distress. A rip current is a fast-moving column of water that flows away from the shore toward open water. Officials say swimmers caught in one should remain calm and then swim parallel to the shore to escape the current. Childers grew up in Georgia's Cobb County, which is northeast of Atlanta, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Childers helped lead the North Cobb Christian School to a state baseball championship in 2003 and continued his baseball career at Georgia State University. Childers signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 2009 and played two seasons in the minor leagues for teams in Florida and West Virginia, according to Childers served as a police officer in Cobb County from 2011 to 2014, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. WCBD-TV reported that he received the Cobb County Police Department Life Saving award in 2012, while the GoFundMe page said he had saved several lives. 'Most importantly, he was a loving son, a dedicated brother, a treasured friend, an exceptional father to his three wonderful children, and the husband of his beautiful wife, Nataley, who had been his soulmate and best friend since they were teenagers,' the GoFundMe page stated.
