Woman killed in Louisville St. Patrick’s Day parade float accident described as ‘force for good’
By Alex Suckow
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WLKY) — The coroner has identified the woman who died after getting stuck on a float during Louisville’s big St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The annual parade takes place the Saturday before the holiday on Bardstown Road.
Police said that roughly an hour into Saturday’s parade, around 4 p.m., they were called because a woman who was walking next to a float got her foot caught in it, causing her to fall and get stuck under the vehicle.
That woman has been identified as Joan Pannuti Pottinger, 50.
Police said the vehicle stopped and Pottinger was given first aid. She was taken to a hospital, but died in the ER.
Her husband, Tony Pottinger, sent a photo.
He described what happened as “truly a freak accident.” He said she was marching with members of their church, St. Agnes, when she was caught under the rear wheels.
We’re told a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reserve deputy rushed in to help her.
“We appreciate the work of the crowd in lifting up the vehicle and the professionalism of the first responder,” Tony said.
He provided this statement about Joan’s character:
“Joan, like the saint for whom she was named, was fiercely loyal and faithful. She was (and remains) the light of our lives as a mom, wife, and friend. We are a military family and before settling in our forever home in Louisville, we made multiple moves. In every community, Joan has been a passionate force for good, volunteering her time and helping those in need, including in her most recent work fundraising for Best Buddies. We are blessed at the outpouring of community support as we mourn our loss,” he said.
The archbishop of the Archdiocese of Louisville released a statement on Monday, as well.
“I was saddened to learn about the death of Joan Pottinger, a parent of St. Agnes Catholic School and parishioner of St. Agnes Church, who was killed Saturday at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I want to express my condolences to her husband and her children as they deal with this profound loss.
“Furthermore, I want to extend my sympathy to the St. Agnes community who knew and loved Joan. Please know we are grieving with you.I invite the Archdiocese of Louisville to join me in praying for the repose of her soul, her family, and the St. Agnes School community.Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine about her. May her soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” Archbishop Shelton Fabre said.
Parade organizers, The Hibernian Cultural and Charitable Association, Inc, released a statement as well. It read, in part, “It is, however, deeply saddened by the tragic accident at this year’s parade. Its members’ hearts and prayers are with the family, and all impacted by the incident.”
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