St. Patrick’s Day Parade Tragedy Makes National News
(WAVE) – The Jefferson County coroner has identified the woman who died after being trapped beneath a float during Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Highlands.
Louisville Metro Police said officers were called around 4 p.m. to Bardstown Road near Grinstead Drive after reports that a person had been struck along the parade route.
Investigators said the woman was participating in the parade and walking alongside a float on Bardstown Road when, for reasons not yet known, her foot became caught. She fell, became trapped under the float and was struck, police said.
She was taken by EMS to UofL Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The coroner identified her as Joan Pannuti Pottinger, 50, of Louisville.
Pottinger was a parishioner at St. Agnes Catholic Church and a parent at St. Agnes Catholic School, according to the Archdiocese of Louisville. Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre released the following statement:
“I was saddened to learn about the death of Joan Pottinger, a parent of St. Agnes Catholic School and parishioner of St. Agnes Church, who was killed Saturday at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I want to express my condolences to her husband and her children as they deal with this profound loss. Furthermore, I want to extend my sympathy to the St. Agnes community who knew and loved Joan. Please know we are grieving with you.
I invite the Archdiocese of Louisville to join me in praying for the repose of her soul, her family, and the St. Agnes School community.