“He Came Home and Passed Here”: Family Forced to Euthanize Their Horse After Tragic Accident

In the picturesque town of Monroe, a somber cloud of grief hangs heavy. A cherished member of a local family, their faithful riding horse, has been tragically taken from them. Horses reveal a remarkable balance of grace and strength, creating an unspoken bond that goes beyond words. Shadow, the fallen equine soul, was no exception.

Shadow’s profound impact on the Hochstetler family and the void left in his absence exemplify the extraordinary depth of emotion that can arise from the bond between humans and horses.

The Devastation of Saying Goodbye to a Trusted Friend

According to WSOC TV, the idyllic evening for the Hochstetler family took a tragic turn when Sarell Hochstetler’s husband, Jeff, hopped on a tranquil ride with Shadow. They had no idea that a transit van traveling at high speed would suddenly cross their path. Jeff tried to steer Shadow away from danger while taking every safety measure in an effort to save his horse. Sadly, fate had other plans as the horse and rider were struck by the van and thrown onto the windscreen before ending up in a ditch. Jeff ended up severely bruised and somehow Shadow made his way back home. However, Shadow was badly injured.

A compassionate veterinarian made the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize the beloved horse, forever altering the landscape of the Hochstetler family’s lives. “He was like her counselor, he was her best friend,” Sarell Hochstetler said in reference to her daughter Kori’s attachment to Shadow.

Grieving Korie Hochstetler mentioned the fact that Shadow’s last moments were spent in their familiar home. Korie finds solace in the fact that he did not wander off to an unknown location, she said, “I’m at peace that he came home and passed here, and he didn’t run off into a random area”. While the family was already battling this tragedy their life was also stirring with anxiety about Jeff’s condition.

The Tragic Encounter

Jeff Hochstetler’s life was hanging by a thread after the catastrophic collision had occurred. He was rushed to the hospital after suffering a severe head injury, but he came out as a fighter. When Sarell thinks back on the terrifying incident, she is incredibly grateful that her husband is still alive. Jeff’s survival is nothing short of a remarkable story of perseverance against insurmountable odds.

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On their property, Shadow’s final resting place serves as a solemn testament to their beloved horse’s memory. Once a powerful force on the family’s land, Shadow’s presence now lingers as a treasured memory. A GoFundMe campaign has been started in an effort to support them during this difficult time. Following this tragic event, the family holds onto priceless memories while searching for comfort. Their memories of Shadow, a devoted friend, and confidant, will endure forever.

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