Community grieving after ‘vibrant’ young boy killed in collision with school bus

A small town west of Ottawa is in shock after a 9-year-old boy was killed in a collision with a school bus on Wednesday.

The community of Almonte is rallying behind the family of Archer Lowe, who was out riding a bike by another school at 3:30 p.m. on June 25. Emergency personnel responded to the incident and transported Lowe to hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.

A member of the community, Michelle Maguire, said in a GoFundMe post that this tragedy has deeply impacted the community. In less than 24 hours, the town has responded by donating tens of thousands of dollars to the parents of Lowe.

“This family needs our support during this absolutely unimaginable time,” she wrote. “Every bit of support means the world to them as they don’t have a large network here in town.”

Lowe is described as a “vibrant kid” who loved soccer and Pokémon. He was a student at R Tait McKenzie Public School. The board’s superintendent told CityNews said the school community is “shaken” by the incident.

“He had a big smile and he loved riding his bike. He loved animals, especially his dog, Moose,” the fundraiser reads.

Lowe had hopes of becoming a soccer player when he grew up. But most of all, the young boy is being remembered by how much he loved his family.

The $80,000 will go toward the funeral arrangements, a celebration of life in Lowe’s honour and will provide therapy and counselling to the family.

“Let’s rally behind Sarah and Nathan as best we can, Almonte,” the post reads.

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