DRESDEN, ONTARIO — The tight-knit community of Dresden is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 12-year-old Decker James Beatty, who passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. His untimely passing followed a tragic accident on July 3, and has left an unfillable void in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.
A boy whose life was rooted in family, loyalty, and wholehearted enthusiasm, Decker will be remembered not just for his bright smile and quick wit, but for the fierce love he had for those closest to him. Whether playing sports, lending a hand, or simply spending time with his siblings, Decker gave everything he had—his energy, his laughter, and his heart.
Decker was the beloved son of Jamie and Michelle Beatty, who now carry the weight of unimaginable loss with strength and grace. He was an irreplaceable big brother to his younger sister Berkeley and brother Blake, roles he took on with pride, love, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.
His grandparents—Jeff and Jackie Beatty, and Cathy McFadden—held a special place in his heart, and he will also be remembered with love by his late grandfather, Tim McFadden. The impact Decker had on his extended family was profound. He shared a special bond with his cousins Avery, Lila, Henry, Willow, and Lars, and was adored by his aunts and uncles: Marianne, Rob, Annie, Nick, and Josh (Beth).
From a young age, Decker’s determination and work ethic stood out. Whether he was on the ice, at school, or helping out at home, he brought a level of commitment that inspired those around him. His teammates, coaches, and close friends describe him as someone who led not by words, but by example—always dependable, always driven, always kind.
Tributes have poured in across social media and within the community from teachers, neighbors, and friends. Many share stories of Decker’s sense of humor, his loyal friendships, and the way he lifted others up with his quiet confidence. One coach said, “He was the heartbeat of our team—a kid with grit, sportsmanship, and a grin that could change the mood of the whole bench.”
In the wake of this tragedy, the Beatty family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the first responders and medical teams who worked tirelessly in the hours and days following the accident. They extend special thanks to Chatham-Kent EMS, the volunteer firefighters from Dresden’s Chatham-Kent Fire Station 6, Chatham-Kent Police Service—especially officers Kyle Merritt and Joel Rehill—ER staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Ornge Air Ambulance, Ronald McDonald House in London, and the Pediatric Critical Care Unit staff at London Health Sciences Centre. Nurses Paige, Lauren, Hannah, Ayasha, and social worker Kasey were all specifically named for the compassion, professionalism, and care they showed Decker and his family in their darkest hours.
A community vigil is being planned in Dresden in the coming days, where family, friends, and neighbors will gather to honor Decker’s memory and celebrate the joy he brought to their lives. Funeral arrangements will be shared once finalized.
Though Decker’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy will live on in every laugh shared between his siblings, every goal scored by his teammates, and every act of kindness inspired by the way he lived. He may have only had 12 years, but those years were filled with love, purpose, and unforgettable memories.
Decker James Beatty—beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, teammate, and friend—will be remembered as a boy who gave his all, loved deeply, and left the world better than he found it.
He will be forever missed and never forgotten.