EF community mourning tragic death of teen following horse riding accident

Braelynn Woolheater, 14, was a sophomore at Elizabeth Forward High School.

A 14-year-old Elizabeth Township area girl tragically died Sunday following injuries she obtained from a horse riding accident last week.

Braelynn Woolheater was thrown from her horse while trail riding on Sept. 15, Elizabeth Township fire Chief Adam Janosko told the Mon Valley Independent last week. She had been listed in critical condition since then.

According to an online fundraiser created by Stacey Miller and Sherry Morrow, they announced Monday Braelynn had succumbed to her injuries.

“Despite the best efforts of medical professionals and the immense strength shown by Braelynn and her family, her injuries were too severe,” Woolheater’s fundraiser states. “Please keep Braelynn’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. Your continued support means the world to them during this incredibly difficult time.”

Condolences for the family began to circulate on social media with the phrase “#BraelynnStrong” circulating.

Braelynn was a sophomore at Elizabeth Forward School District, and had a passion for horses – competing as an avid barrel racer as a member of the R&R Ranch in Elizabeth Township. She is survived by her parents, Dawn Renee (Fellabaum) Priest and David Joseph Woolheater, her siblings, Charity Woolheater, Mason Priest, Julie Woolheater, and David Woolheater; her grandparents, Joyce (the late Tony) Fellabaum and Cathy Wool – heater, and many other relatives and friends.

According to Miller, Braelynns family has made “a truly selfless and courageous decision” to donate her organs to those that need it.

Miller said she hopes the community comes together to support the family as donations will go toward funeral expenses, medical bills and anything remaining will go toward a foundation in Braelynn’s honor.

“Through this act of love and generosity, Braelynn’s legacy will continue to shine, bringing hope and healing to other families in need,” Miller said. “Braelynn was a bright, strong, and courageous young girl who touched so many lives with her spirit and her love for horses. Though she is no longer with us, her light will never be forgotten.”

The Elizabeth Forward School District issued the following statement Thursday morning: “With deep sadness, Elizabeth Forward  School District acknowledges the passing of a 10th Grader at Elizabeth Forward High  School. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, classmates, and staff who are grieving this  tremendous loss. Counselors and support staff will be available throughout the school to provide care and  assistance to students and staff during this challenging time. The loss of a promising young person is devastating for everyone. The Warrior community  will take time to reflect and grieve as we face this difficult time together. EFSD will only  provide additional information in coordination with the student’s family. We ask that you keep the family in your thoughts during this difficult time and respect their  privacy as they grieve.”

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., located at 6028 Smithfield St., Boston. Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday at the funeral home chapel. Woolheater’s family has also begun a “Braelynn Woolheater Memorial Trust” in her honor, and it is still being developed. As of press time, the fund raiser had raised $17,720.

The fundraiser can be found at https://gofund. me/2a4d1f274.