The harness racing in industry in Canada beyond is mourning the passing of British Columbia driver Scott Knight after the respected horseman passed away on Sunday, Oct. 18 following a tragic racing accident at Desert Park.

An outpouring of condolences, tributes and support initiatives have followed by members of the Standardbred racing community across the North America in honour of one of Western Canadian harness racing's top drivers for the past quarter century.

"Words cannot begin to express the sadness that has swept through the harness racing community following the tragic passing of Scott Knight," said Harness Racing B.C. in a statement posted on social media on Sunday evening. "Tonight, we say goodbye to one of our own. Scott was more than a driver; he was a friend, a valued member of our harness racing family, and a current Director of Harness Racing B.C. (HRBC), representing the members of our industry with dedication and pride.

"His passing leaves a profound void in our community. The racetrack is more than a place where we come together through our shared love of the sport; it is a family, bound by friendships, respect, and a passion for harness racing. Tonight, that family is grieving the loss of one of its own.

"With the heaviest of hearts, Harness Racing B.C. extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to Scott’s family, loved ones, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts are with you as you face this unimaginable loss.

"Scott will be remembered not only for his place in our sport, but for the friendships he forged and the lasting impact he leaves on our harness racing community.

"Rest peacefully, Scott. You will be deeply missed, never forgotten, and forever part of our harness racing family."

The Alberta Standardred Horse Association (ASHA) launched a fundraising initiative with a GoFundMe page created in support of Knight's family, with donations reaching upwards of $52,000 as of press time. The 52-year-old father leaves behind his wife, Lindsey Knight, his sons, Logan and Jayden, and his stepchildren, Cole, Maci and Braylee, along with many family members and friends who loved him dearly.

"Scott was more than a familiar face in our racing community," said a statement from Alberta Standardred Horse Association. "He was a fellow horseman, a friend to many, and part of the racing family that brings us all together. His loss is devastating and one that hits incredibly close to home.

"During times like these, we are reminded that horse racing is so much more than a sport. It is a community, a family, and one that stands together when it matters most.

"ASHA is committed to supporting Scott's family through this unimaginable loss. We have established a GoFundMe to help provide financial assistance to his loved ones, and will also be making a contribution through our Homestretch Assistance Program.

"Our deepest condolences go out to Scott's family, friends, and everyone affected by this tragedy."

United States Trotting Association's Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner expressed that, “This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire sport. On behalf of the U.S. Trotting Association, we extend our deepest condolences to Scott’s family, friends and everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are also with those involved in the accident and the entire Canadian racing community during this incredibly difficult time.”

(With files from HRBC, ASHA & USTA)