Nash Dunlop was a ‘shining bright light’ whose life ended too soon
Two 17-year-olds from Guelph have been charged with second-degree murder in his death; police mum on circumstances
PUSLINCH – Hearts remain broken in Puslinch and Guelph after the death of Nash Dunlop, a 16-year-old student at John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute, resident of Puslinch and, by all accounts, a rising basketball star.
Dunlop died just after midnight on Sept. 19 on Wellington Road 29 at Eramosa-Garafraxa Townline.
He was struck by a minivan in a location where there was a “gathering” of young people by the side of the road, according to police.
Police later charged two 17-year-old Guelph students with second-degree murder but have not disclosed any information other than to ask the community to stop speculating on what transpired.
A funeral service was held on Sept. 25 and a community memorial service on Sept. 26, which was attended by hundreds of his classmates, teammates, family, friends, and scores of Puslinch residents who knew Dunlop and his family and grieved his loss.
Dunlop was the son of Brady Dunlop and Erin Edwards and brother to Drew Dunlop.
He was described in his obituary as “a wonderful young man” who had a “natural ability to connect with people.”
“He had a way of making others feel welcome, valued and comfortable in his presence. He was kind-hearted, funny and engaging, and he formed genuine friendships wherever he went,” the notice continues.
Dunlop’s passion for basketball was evident. He was to join the Vanguard North Basketball Academy this fall and had been a member of the Oxford Attack Basketball Club.
A notice on the Oxford Attack website and Facebook page urged players to place a basketball on their front step in memory of Dunlop.
His family also started the Nash Dunlop Memorial Fund through the Guelph Community Foundation.
“The fund will support youth sport, particularly basketball, at John F. Ross and in the greater Guelph community,” his obituary states.
His family also thanked all of Dunlop’s friends, mentors, teachers, coaches and pastors who had such a positive impact on his life.
“Your encouragement, leadership and care helped shape the wonderful young man Nash became, and your influence will always be remembered,” it reads.
Comments flooded the funeral home’s website, calling Dunlop a “beautiful soul,” “a shining bright light” and “a positive and bright young man.”
Positive comments about Dunlop were also made on Facebook posts, with much love and sympathy directed toward his parents, brother and extended family as they wrestle with their grief.
