Exeter animal shelter setting up memorial barn to honor hit-and-operate target

EXETER, R.I. (WPRI) — It is been nearly 4 yrs given that Sarah Balmforth was hit and killed by a driver though walking her pet, but her memory will dwell on forever at a area animal shelter where by she volunteered.

To these who realized her, Balmforth, 27, was a caring person who loved animals.

Amy Almeida fulfilled Balmforth at the Exeter Animal shelter. A non-revenue that is related with the shelter, “Friends of Exeter Animals,” is now constructing a memorial barn in Balmforth’s honor.

“She was just an wonderful individual, an all-around great particular person,” Almeida, who’s the treasurer for the non-gain, stated.

In July 2017, Balmforth was walking her pet dog together South Road in Exeter when she was strike and killed by a auto. She would have turned 31 past Sunday.

The driver, Shannon Holden, 26, of Coventry, fled the scene. She was arrested a few of days afterwards and charged with failure to halt, loss of life ensuing.

In 2019, Holden turned down the state’s provide that she provide 4 yrs in jail and opted instead for a trial. She’s owing in court docket for a pre-demo hearing later on this week.

Balmforth’s family members requested Alemida to talk with the media on their behalf in the course of this difficult time. 

“It’s been four years, and it is time to bring justice for Sarah,” Almeida said. “We are all lacking her so deeply, and we truly feel the household has been via adequate. Getting to show up at court just reminds them of that lifestyle taken, that awful tragedy.”

Almeida stated it was only fitting they develop a barn in Balmforth’s honor, as a put where the operate she was passionate about can keep on. The exertion started shortly immediately after Balmforth’s loss of life and has ongoing slowly but surely in excess of the a long time.

“Sarah liked animals,” she mentioned. “Anyone who knew her, she generally had her canine with her.”

The base of the barn is finished, but Almeida said there is nevertheless a good deal of get the job done to do within. She claimed they’re hopeful they’ll be equipped to host an unveiling ceremony when it’s completed this summer months.

The moment the barn is done, Almeida reported animals who are brought into the shelter will remain there.

Any one who desires to support fund the barn’s construction and eventual repairs can donate in this article.