Promising young ballerina died in cycling incident Sunday

Sara Holton

The Quinte Ballet School of Canada, in Belleville, today shared the news of the sudden passing of 17-year-old Sara Holton, a long-time student in its professional division program.

Holton died in the bicycle accident Sunday in Prince Edward County. Highway 62 was closed most of Sunday afternoon and evening while Prince Edward OPP investigated the accident. The incident occurred near the intersection of Hwy 62 and Union Road in Ameliasburgh.

“This sudden and tragic loss has overwhelmed our hearts with grief. Our hearts go out to her parents and family during this impossibly difficult time,” the school said in a statement on its Facebook page. “We encourage all of Sara’s dance colleagues here and all around the world to “Dance for Sara Today” and all the days to follow.”

Holton is the daughter of Dr. Kristin Morrison and Dr. Gord Holton. The school also shared words from her parents that appeared on Sara’s Facebook page:

“Our daughter Sara died in a bicycle accident yesterday. The driver involved was not at fault.
Kristin and I are working our way through this now, but it is going to be a struggle for both of us.
Sara unwaveringly worked towards her dream of becoming a professional ballerina, but also reflected that she needed to check back in the stewards of our environment to ensure that the animals were safe within our world.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Quinte Ballet School of Canada(QBSC) where Sara was enrolled in her pre-professional training to the National Ballet of Canada(NBC) where she loved to attend enrichment classes, or to the World Wildlife Fund would be most appreciated.
Someone far better versed than I wrote “All the world is a stage…” Sara wanted to dance ballet on that stage. All the time you love dance, to perform, or to watch, we’ll feel that a little bit of Sara dances on.
Gord Holton
Kristin Morrison

We love you Sara.”

A funeral service is set for Friday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. at the John R. Bush Funeral Home in Belleville. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. Friday.