Trot Insider has learned that popular longtime groom William 'Billy' O'Brien passed away during the evening hours of Thursday, May 24 after being struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bike
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O'Brien, 64, was struck and killed on Highway 27 in Belleville, Ont. at roughly 9:00 p.m.
He was known to many local horsemen in the area and was a longtime groom and caretaker for several trainers at QER over the years.
Also known as 'Relic' to many due to his close physical resemblance to the well-known character on 'The Beachcombers,' O'Brien had an innate sense and way with animals, choosing them over humans many times. He had a special way with horses and loved them dearly.
O'Brien is resting at Steele Funeral Home, 30 Moira Street West, in Belleville. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29 with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow, with ashes to be interred in his native Nova Scotia.
In memory of O'Brien, donations will be accepted on behalf of the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society and the Quinte Humane Society.
According to a release, Central Hastings OPP Community Services Officer Const. Terry Briard has gone on the record as saying, “The investigation in this incident is ongoing.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Central Hastings OPP at 613-473-4234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Billy O'Brien.
R I P Relic. The grooms in
R I P Relic. The grooms in this business are our hidden treasure. Shack, Buttons, Toby, Blackie, Maggie et al take a bow. My favourite is still June Coyle, toughest girl in PEI.