ELLEN WATTERS SUCCUMBS TO HER INJURIES
Dec. 28, 2016 (Ottawa ON) — Ellen Watters has passed away after suffering critical injuries when she was hit by a car while training outside Sussex, N.B., on Dec. 23.
Watters’ family made the following statement this morning on social media:
It’s very difficult to find the right way to share news that is so important and so terrible for so many people. Ellen no longer had any brain function when the excellent and very kind doctors examined her this afternoon. She was surrounded by family, and so many dear friends, over the past few days, and has received more support than I could have imagined.
Ellen was truly an awesome force. Everyone who knew Ellen was better off for it. She shared joy with everyone she knew, and took joy in sharing her love and positivity around her.
Because of the manner of her passing, she is a candidate for organ donations. The silver lining of this tragic time is that she is able to bring hope and motivation to even more people.
We hope that we can channel some of Ellen’s fantastic energy, and use it to improve the safety conditions for cyclists on our roadways.We would ask everyone to spread awareness of the necessity of cyclist advocacy, and to contact their local politicians to help get changes made.
We will not be holding a memorial or funeral service at this time. We will be planning to do so later, when we have had a chance to process this tragedy, and can better celebrate her brilliant spirit and wonderful life. Please keep Ellen with you when you need someone to go for a quiet walk with, or to meet for a coffee, or to kick your butt and get you out for a ride. Please know that she’ll be there as much as you need her, just like she always has been.
Watters, originally from Apohaqui, N.B., had been steadily rising up the ranks since joining the Ottawa-based The Cyclery Racing program in 2014 under the guidance of former national team member Jenny Trew. A former triathlete and a kinesiology graduate, Watters adapted quickly to road cycling and her sunny personality and aggressive racing style became a fixture at events throughout Canada and the U.S.
The 2016 season was a breakout year for the 28-year-old. She won the Tour of the Battenkill and Tour of Somerville in the U.S., and won bronze in the criterium at the Canadian Road Championships. These results, among others, led to an invitation to take part in her first-ever Canadian National Team project in August. Despite missing some races early in the trip after suffering a minor concussion, she bounced back to victory in a kermesse in Hasdonk, Belgium, on Aug. 18.
Watters’ cycling career stepped up another level on the cusp of 2017. She signed for the U.S.-based Colavita-Bianchi team at the same time as being invited to be a part-time member of the Canadian women’s development program under national NextGen coach Cameron Jennings.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Watters’ family members with their expenses. The fund has raised more than triple its $5,000 goal – a testament to Watters’ popularity.
“All of us at Cycling Canada share in the grief so keenly felt by Ellen’s family and friends,” said Cycling Canada High Performance Director- Head Coach Jacques Landry. “We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy and offer any support we can provide in the wake of this tragedy.”
[This story is an update of one published on Dec. 27, 2016.]
