Joan Panutti Pottinger, a Louisville, Kentucky married mom of two killed in freak accident during St Patrick’s Day parade after getting her foot caught underneath float and falling and being struck by vehicle.
A mother of two has died after her foot got caught underneath a float during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Louisville, Kentucky over the weekend.
Joan Panutti Pottinger, a Louisville, KY mom of two was identified as the individual who tragically died after she fell under a float at a St Patrick’d Day parade on Saturday, March 14th.
Notice of the tragedy came after a pedestrian and parade participant walking alongside a float got her foot caught in it, causing her to fall and get stuck under the vehicle. The incident happened as the float made its way along Bardstown Road and Grinstead Drive just on 4p.m, according to the the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Participant walking alongside falls under float after foot getting caught
Stated Louisville police an email shared with People Mag: ‘Our preliminary investigation reveals that an adult female participant believed to be in her 50’s was walking alongside one of the floats on Bardstown Road, for some unknown reason her foot got caught by the float causing her to fall and she got caught under the vehicle and was struck.’
Upon the float coming to a stop, first responders tended to the victim until she was taken to University of Louisville Hospital, where Panutti later succumbed to her injuries.
Tragic freak accident
At the time of the freak accident, the mom of two was marching with members of the family church, St. Agnes, when she was caught under the rear wheels.
The Hibernian Cultural and Charitable Association, who organized the parade, released a statement saying they were ‘deeply saddened by the tragic accident at this year’s parade.’
‘[Our] hearts and prayers are with the family and all impacted by the incident,’ they added.
Louisville , KY mom remembered
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg offered his condolences to Panutti’s family in an X post on Saturday, writing, ‘I am so sorry to hear about the tragic accident that took a woman’s life at today’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Please join Rachel and me in keeping her family and friends in your prayers. May her memory be a blessing.’
The LMPD said that its traffic unit is investigating the incident.
A Linkedin profile attributable to Joan Panutti as ‘Director Mission Advancement,’ described her feats in part, ‘Nonprofit development professional with thirteen years of Fortune 500 social media, marketing, and promotional experience, including contribution to the success of 25 separate brands. Experienced, self-starting, creative, and highly motivated team player.’
On Monday, the parade organizers shared a GoFundMe established to raise money on behalf of Panutti’s family.
Panutti leaves behind a husband and two children, ages 9 and 13.
