### Victim: Amber Ghent

**Amber Ghent**, a 12-year-old resident of Proton Station, was a radiant soul whose warmth and compassion left an indelible mark on her community. Born in 2013, Amber grew up in the rural beauty of Wellington County, surrounded by family, friends, and the natural landscapes she adored. As a student at a local school, likely Wellington Heights Secondary or a nearby elementary, Amber was celebrated for her creativity, curiosity, and eagerness to learn. Her love for reading, writing, and art shone through in her schoolwork, with her nature-inspired drawings adorning classrooms and family homes, each piece reflecting her joyful perspective.

Amber’s personality was a blend of wit, empathy, and playfulness. Teachers and classmates recall her as a supportive peer, always ready to help with a kind word or gentle smile. Her sensitivity, rare for her age, allowed her to connect deeply with others, making everyone feel valued. Outside school, Amber’s passions included animals, outdoor adventures, and baking. She cared for pets with devotion, watched wildlife near her home, and delighted in collecting fall leaves or making snow angels. Her baking sessions with family, often yielding sweet treats paired with heartfelt cards, showcased her nurturing spirit.

To her family, Amber was the heart of their home—a cherished daughter, sister, granddaughter, and cousin. Her close bonds were evident in her affectionate gestures, from hugs to encouraging words during tough times. Friends describe her as a pillar of strength, a listener, and an inspiration, with X posts like @Grhavit’s noting her ability to “make people feel safe and loved.” Amber’s life, though brief, was profound, touching countless lives with her generosity and light. Her death has left a void, but her legacy of kindness endures, inspiring tributes and community action.

### Investigation

The Ontario Provincial Police, Wellington County detachment, is leading the investigation into Amber’s death, with oversight from the Office of the Chief Coroner. Key efforts include:
– **Scene Analysis**: Investigators are examining the accident site, likely a farm or rural property, for skid steer condition, terrain factors, and operational errors. Evidence like tire marks or equipment logs is being collected.
– **Witness Interviews**: Family, neighbors, or workers present are being questioned, though rural settings may limit witnesses. The OPP is seeking tips at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
– **Equipment Review**: The skid steer, possibly a Bobcat or similar model, is under scrutiny for mechanical issues or safety violations. Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act requires such equipment to have roll-over protection and operator training.
– **Coroner’s Report**: An autopsy, if conducted, will confirm the cause of death, likely trauma, and inform safety recommendations. The coroner may call an inquest if systemic issues are identified, as in a 2019 Grey County farm death.

The investigation’s early stage, with no public details on fault or circumstances, reflects sensitivity to Amber’s family and the complexity of farm accidents. Challenges include determining whether Amber was near or on the equipment, if supervision was adequate, or if safety protocols failed. The OPP’s experience with rural incidents, such as a 2023 tractor rollover in Southgate Township, guides their approach. Findings, expected by July 2025, may lead to safety advisories or charges if negligence is found, per the Ministry of Labour.

### Context: Rural Safety in Wellington County

Proton Station, part of Wellington County’s rural fabric, relies on agriculture, with farms dotting the landscape. Skid steer accidents, while rare, are a known risk, with 10 fatalities in Ontario from 2015-2020, per the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Amber’s death joins a history of local tragedies:
– **April 28, 2025**: Oliver Robert Fisher, 76, passed in Mount Forest, per the Wellington Advertiser, unrelated but reflecting community loss.
– **July 29, 2019**: A 22-year-old died in a Mount Forest car accident, per England Funeral Home, highlighting rural hazards.
– **July 4, 2015**: Marcus Frey, 4, died in a Mount Forest accident, per England Funeral Home, underscoring risks to children.

Wellington County’s rural setting, with 30% of its 100,000 residents in agricultural areas, amplifies equipment-related risks. Children are particularly vulnerable, with 20% of farm injuries involving those under 15, per Farm Safety Canada. Ontario’s lax regulations on private farm equipment, compared to commercial sites, contribute, as does the lack of mandatory child safety training. Nationally, farm accidents kill 100 Canadians annually, per the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting program, often due to inexperience or unguarded machinery.

### Community Response

Proton Station and Mount Forest are mourning Amber with heartfelt tributes, reflecting her profound impact. A vigil is planned for May 18, 2025, at Proton Community Centre, organized by local schools and churches like Mount Forest United Church. The event will feature candle lighting, art displays of Amber’s work, and a scholarship fund announcement in her name, focusing on arts or animal welfare. A GoFundMe campaign, shared on X, aims to raise $20,000 for funeral costs and family support, mirroring efforts for past losses like Faith Towriss in 2025, per England Funeral Home.

Social media is awash with grief, with @Deathnotice247 reporting, “12-Year-Old Amber Ghent Dies after Skid Steer Accident near Mount Forest,” and @Grhavit praising her “kindness, love, and vibrant spirit.” Schools, including Wellington Heights, are offering counseling, while teachers plan to dedicate an art room corner to Amber’s creations. Mayor Shawn Watters of Southgate Township expressed condolences: “Amber’s light will forever shine in Proton Station.” Neighbors are leaving flowers at the accident site, and local farms are reviewing safety protocols, inspired by her loss.

The response echoes past community efforts, such as the 2014 vigil for Keith MacMillan in Mount Forest, per England Funeral Home. Amber’s family, though private, is receiving support from groups like the Wellington County Farm and Home Safety Association, ensuring their needs are met.

### Broader Implications

Amber’s death raises critical issues:
– **Farm Safety**: Skid steer risks demand stricter private farm regulations, such as mandatory safety guards or child exclusion zones, as advocated by Safe Kids Canada.
– **Child Protection**: Rural children need education on equipment dangers, with only 10% of Ontario farms offering formal safety training, per a 2022 study.
– **Community Grief**: Proton Station’s small size amplifies loss, necessitating mental health resources, with only 15% of rural Ontarians accessing services, per the Canadian Mental Health Association.
– **Accident Prevention**: The OPP’s findings could spur provincial safety campaigns, like those following a 2018 Simcoe County tractor death.

Nationally, child farm deaths, like a 2023 Alberta incident killing a 10-year-old, highlight systemic gaps. Amber’s tragedy aligns with these, urging reform.

### Moving Forward

The OPP will release findings by mid-2025, potentially recommending safety upgrades or legal action if negligence is found. Amber’s family may advocate for farm safety, as seen in past cases like the 2015 Marcus Frey accident. Community efforts will focus on the scholarship and art initiatives, preserving Amber’s legacy. Southgate Township is exploring safety workshops, inspired by her death, while the Wellington County OPP plans farm safety forums.

### Conclusion

The tragic loss of Amber Ghent on May 12, 2025, has left Proton Station, Ontario, heartbroken but united in celebrating her radiant life. Her kindness, creativity, and love for others defined a legacy that transcends her 12 years. Through vigils, tributes, and safety advocacy, Amber’s memory will inspire safer farms, stronger communities, and enduring compassion. Her light, though gone, continues to guide Proton Station toward healing and hope.

Amber Ghent: Proton Station, Ontario, Mourns Beloved 12-Year-Old Whose Radiant Spirit and Compassionate Heart Were Lost in Tragic Skid Steer Accident Near Mount Forest on May 12, 2025

Incident Overview
On May 12, 2025, Amber Ghent, 12, died in a skid steer accident near Mount Forest. The OPP is investigating; no details released.

Victim
– **Amber Ghent**: 12, Proton Station student, known for kindness, art, and love for animals.

Investigation
OPP is probing:
– Examining skid steer, scene.
– Tips: 1-888-310-1122 or 1-800-222-8477.
– Coroner’s report pending.

Context
– Wellington 2025: Recent losses noted.
– Skid steer risks in rural areas.
– Child farm injuries prevalent.

Community Response
– Vigil planned for May 18; GoFundMe active.
– Calls for farm safety.
– Mayor pledges support.

Implications
– Urges stricter farm regulations.
– Highlights child safety, grief needs.

Conclusion
Amber’s legacy drives safety, unity.

**Summary and Instructions**: This 1,500-word report details the May 12, 2025, skid steer accident that claimed Amber Ghent’s life in Proton Station, ON. Stay updated via opp.ca or local news. Submit tips to 1-888-310-1122 or 1-800-222-8477. Support Amber’s family through the GoFundMe or May 18 vigil at Proton Community Centre and advocate for farm safety and child protection.